Legendary Ghanaian sports administrator, Ohene Djan was instrumental in the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to boycott the 1966 FIFA World Cup.

In January 1964, FIFA announced that 16 slots would be available for the tournament. Of these, 10 were allocated to European teams (including host nation England), four to Latin America, and one to the Central American and Caribbean region.

That left just one slot for Africa, meaning only a single nation from the continent could qualify for the World Cup.

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This sparked widespread criticisms from African football fans and officials, who deemed the allocation unfair and undermining of the continent’s progress.

In the midst of the uproar, Ohene Djan, a member of CAF’s Executive Committee, stood firmly against the decision and called for action.

He argued that considering the financial investments federations commit to qualification, FIFA’s sidelining of Afro-Asian countries was disrespectful and unjust.

“Registering strong objection to unfair World Cup arrangement for Afro-Asian countries Stop. Afro-Asian countries struggling through painful, expensive qualifying series for ultimate one finalist representation is pathetic and unsound. At the worst, Africa should have one finalist. Urgent – reconsider,” he wrote in a telegram to FIFA as reported by the BBC.

Djan was joined by Ethiopian football official Tessema Yidnekatchew, who described FIFA’s decision as “a mockery of economics, politics, and geography.”

Despite numerous deliberations, FIFA refused to reconsider. As a result, CAF’s Executive Committee, with Djan playing a leading role, resolved to boycott the 1966 World Cup.

This historic decision marked a turning point in football history, as Africa’s slot allocation improved in subsequent tournaments.

SB/JE

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