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Soccer News of Thursday, 29 October 2015

Source: goal.com

British High Commissioner questions GFA

British High Commissioner to Ghana, Mr Jon Benjamin British High Commissioner to Ghana, Mr Jon Benjamin

British High Commissioner to Ghana Jon Benjamin says he is yet to witness the benefits from Ghana's participation at several Fifa World Cup tournaments.

The 52-year-old, who arrived in Ghana from Chile in 2014, claims the financial gains from participating in three World Cup tournaments should have been used to develop good pitches for grassroots football rather than spending them on expensive cars.

“Speaking personally, as this is not the view of the British government, I have some questions about Kwesi Nyantakyi's use of the funds he receives from FIFA.” Benjamin told Viasat 1 TV.

“What I have seen is Ghana FA officials in very expensive (SUVs) land cruisers, what I haven’t seen is really good pitches at grassroots level for the ordinary Ghanaians.

“I apologise in advance if I have missed and I would like to meet them but if the Fifa money coming through the GFA, then it should be promoting grassroots football.”

Benjamin also questioned Nyantakyi's double standard in the recent Fifa turmoil which has led to the suspension of several high profile members including president Sepp Blatter.

“Six months ago, the President of the Ghana football association said he was fully behind Sepp Blatter but a couple of weeks ago, he praised FIFA for suspending Blatter and that’s contradictory.

“But as I understand it, the thesis of him and the GFA is that Blatter should be supported because of what he’s done for African football which I understand and think is right that Africa was given more places at the World Cup,” he added.

Ghana made their debut appearance in the World Cup in 2006 and came close to achieving a semi-final berth at the South Africa 2010.