SCANDAL: Joe Aggrey & Ben Koufie Bribed?

It has been claimed two of Ghanaian football's top officials accepted bribes from the Nigerian FA to influence their recent World Cup clash.

It was reported that the newly-appointed chairman of the FA, Benjamin Kouffie, and the deputy sports minister, Joseph Aggrey, allegedly accepted $US 25,000 from the River State government of Nigeria on the eve of Nigeria's resounding 3-0 win over Ghana in the African World Cup qualifier in July.

The report, which hit the headlines earlier this week following an investigation by the radio station Joy FM, has left an already-beleagued football community stunned.

The FA earlier denied the bribery allegation which arose after Ghana's lacklustre performance handed The Super Eagles a safe passage to World Cup qualification.

To further add credence to the claims, Kouffie admitted to receiving money from the Nigerians, but claimed that it was a gift.

He said: "I took the money reluctantly when the River's State governor insisted that it was part of their hospitality package to visiting teams. It was not a bribe, it was a gift."

Kouffie added that the sum of money was then shared between the players and several journalists.

The controversial issue entered the political arena this week when the National Democratic Congress called for the indictment of Kouffie and Aggrey, and for a full investigation to be launched.

In a statement a member of parliament, Abuga Pele, described the incident as "disgraceful" and he urged president John Kuffour to implement his zero-tolerance policy and sack the two officials.

This latest scandal comes just a few months after the country's sports minister was jailed for stealing the players' match-winning bonuses.