GFA denies Right To Dream Academy U-17 contract claims

The Ghana Football Association have rubbished claims by Right To Dream Academy suggesting an existing contract between the two bodies.

Right to Dream Academy, one of the leading football academies in Africa, is claiming to have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the GFA on the conditions regarding the release of its players to the Ghana U-17 Team.

An audio conversation between an uncle of one of the U-17 players, Kevin Ofori in a heated exchange with the deputy CEO of Right to Dream.

In the tape, a RTD officials was emphasized that, until the player, Kevin Ofori commits himself contractually to Danish club, FC Nordsjaelland, the player will not be allowed to play in the upcoming U-17 World Cup in India.

The RTD official was categorical in pointing out that the Academy had signed an undertaking with the GFA, giving them the authority to release only contracted top players for the National U17 team.

But GFA Executve Committee Member Kweku Eyiah, in an interview with Atinka FM said the football governing body has not signed any contract or MoU with the Academy.

A copy of the MoU chanced on by SportsObama.com read;

“The GFA, and as part of this the U17 National team, realise and support the value that RTD brings to the National development of football in Ghana. The U17 National team management and directors realise the huge benefit that RTD brings to Ghana football and they fully support the RTD programme.

The U17 National team is committed to giving opportunities to top RTD players that are CONTRACTUALLY committed for the future. They have seen examples of RTD players that have gone with the national team and not committed contractually, and deserted the programme. This puts a huge risk on Ghana football. For this reason they will ONLY support RTD players that are contractually committed to the RTD for our professional development process”, it said.

But according to Eyiah, who doubles as the chairman of the Black Starlets Management Committee chairman, there has no been no agreement signed between the FA and Right to Dream Academy.

He explained that, the GFA has not given any authority to the Right to Dream Academy and thus the leaked MoU in circulation is unfounded.

FIFA regulations forbid the move of any player to a foreign club or academy before they reach the age of 18.

In 2015, Nigeria Football Federation prohibited its Under-17 players from signing contracts with foreign clubs during the FIFA U17 World Cup.