Ghana FA sues author over fixing claims

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has launched a scathing attack on a Canadian author saying he will be sued for claiming that their 2006 World Cup clash against Brazil was fixed.

Declan Hill wrote in a published book that bettors influenced players of the country to lose Ghana lost 3-0 but GFA says his "allegations could at best be a figment of his own imagination."

The Ghana football authorities have reported the author to the country?s police while a legal challenge will be mounted against the Canadian for denigrating the players and country.

"We have decided to institute legal action against Declan Hill, the publisher of his book, 'Sichere Siege' and publishers of the German Magazine, 'Der Spiegel' for publishing defamatory statements about the Ghana Football Association and its players," a GFA statement said.

"We have decided to seek the advice of our lawyers on any further cause of action that may be available against Declan Hill, and publishers of the defamatory statements.

"We have lodged an official complaint with the Ghana Police Service to investigate the allegations which are criminal in character and possess the unbridled tendency to impugn the sovereign integrity of Ghana.

"A critical review and analysis of the allegations attributed to Mr. Declan Hill pointedly reveal that his story was not based on any factual circumstances.

"He seemed to have relied heavily on secondary or hearsay evidence which remains uncorroborated by his alleged key witness whose identity he refuses to disclose.

"Mr Declan Hill?s allegations could at best be a figment of his own imagination."

Ghana football authorities believe that their players have not indulged in any malpractice to undermine the national team.

"GFA has confidence in the integrity, commitment, and dedication of players of the Black Stars and notes with great pride the determination, sacrifice, toil and passion with which these gallant stars have lifted and continue to lift high the flag of Ghana," said the GFA.

The Black Stars were the only African side to reach the second round of the 2006 World Cup in Germany.