Quest for Germany 2006 is on course

Mr. Ben Koufie Chairman of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) on Wednesday said the quest of the nation to qualify for the 2006 World Cup to be held in Germany is on course.

Speaking at the Annual Congress of the GFA, Mr. Koufie said with the appointment of an expatriate coach for the senior national team, the dreams of conquering Tunisia and Olympics Games in Athens, Greece all in 2004 are on course.

Mr. Koufie said good performances from the two international tournaments next year would spur the national team on to strive to reach the 2006 World Cup.

"Everything has been put in place for us to succeed in these two tasks and qualify for the world cup" Mr. Koufie said.

"My administration would come out with bold schemes within the season and beyond on plans to return Ghana Soccer to its glorious days, the GFA chairman said.

He therefore called on all the delegates to support the GFA technically, administratively and spiritually for the realisation of the dreams.

Commenting of his achievement so far, the GFA Chairman said his administration has been able to put in place the a five year development plan for Ghana Soccer as well as the implementation of the FIFA Goal Project.

Mr. Koufie said a 33-seater bus has been acquired for the national teams while all the Regional Football associations have been provided with computers and fax machines to facilitate effective administration.

On his future plans, he said the association would soon benefit from an ADIDAS Goal Project after submitting requests through the FIFA Development officer adding that they would also acquire a modern football house by the end of the season since they have been threatened with ejection from their current office.

The GFA chairman hinted that plans are far advanced to link the FA unto the INTERNET since the world is advancing technologically.

Mr. Koufie did not minced words when commenting on referees saying "my administration would deal ruthlessly with corrupt and inefficient officials who would bring the game of football into disrepute".

He urged club officials to refrain from going to court to settle football matters since it is a disincentive to sponsors and has no provisions in the FIFA and CAF regulations.