Tuesday, 02 June

Owusu, Appiah-Danquah petition GFA to trigger continental review of CAF President Motsepe’s suitability

Sports News
Dr Patrice Motsep, CAF President

Political activist Solomon Owusu and lawyer Andrew Appiah-Danquah have petitioned the Ghana Football Association (GFA), urging it to initiate a continental review process into the continued suitability of Dr Patrice Motsepe as President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

In a petition submitted to the GFA President through its Executive Council, the petitioners said their concerns are rooted in Pan-Africanism, anti-discrimination, and the integrity of African football, which they described as a unifying continental institution.

They stressed that the petition is not based on Dr Motsepe’s nationality, race, or personal background, nor his professional record.

However, they argued that CAF’s leadership must reflect its stated values of unity and anti-discrimination, raising concerns about what they described as a “contradiction” between those principles and perceptions linked to xenophobic incidents in South Africa.

They noted that CAF leadership carries symbolic weight and must command confidence across the continent.

The petitioners further stated that CAF has consistently positioned itself against racism, exclusion, and discrimination, and argued that its leadership must therefore embody those principles to maintain moral authority.

They also referenced historical African solidarity during South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle, arguing that expectations of Pan-African responsibility from South Africa remain high due to that history.

The petition called on the GFA to raise the matter with CAF structures, engage other member associations, support a formal review of leadership accountability, promote stronger ethical criteria for CAF office holders, and consider supporting leadership renewal processes where appropriate.

They added that Ghana, given its historical role in Pan-Africanism and its influence in African football, has a responsibility to help safeguard the credibility of continental institutions.

Source: classfmonline.com