Sports
Reports: GFA considering Chris Hughton’s sack
Ghana Football Association (GFA) is allegedly considering firing Black Stars coach Chris Hughton.
The GFA is scheduled to consider this subject at its next meeting, with the coach knowing that he has lost the trust of the local football governing body.
However, considering the lack of unanimity among Executive Council members, the decision is far from simple. While some support Hughton’s dismissal, others remain undecided and want him to lead the squad in this month’s matches against Madagascar and Comoros.
Furthermore, any move to fire Hughton would require government permission, especially from the Sports Ministry, which is in charge of coach compensation. The GFA’s leadership is doubtful about Hughton’s ability to clinch key World Cup qualifying victories over Madagascar and Comoros, which are required for 2026 qualification.
If the decision is made, assistant coach George Boateng is anticipated to take over temporarily. Hughton, who was appointed in February, came under fire following successive losses to Mexico and the United States. Despite his assurance that he is the ideal guy for the position, several GFA members remain sceptical.
Hughton succeeded former Ghana international Otto Addo, who was important in clinching Ghana’s qualifying for the 2022 World Cup. Hughton has seven games under his belt, with three wins, two defeats, and two ties. However, criticisms about the team’s playing style have surfaced.
As the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations approaches, fears of a recurrence of the disappointments of the 2021 tournament develop. The Black Stars’ performance under Hughton raises concerns in a difficult group that includes Egypt, Mozambique, and Cape Verde.
Whatever decision is reached on Friday, the team’s immediate attention will be on the forthcoming matches against Madagascar in Kumasi on November 17 and Comoros four days later in Moroni.
Sports
Black Stars fitness coach Ricky Roy reportedly dead
Romeo Ricky Roy, the fitness coach for Ghana’s senior national team, has died.
According to Ghana Football Association president Kurt Edwin Simeon Okraku’s Facebook post, he died in Accra on Sunday, April 28, 2024.
Roy joined the Black Stars’ backroom staff in 2021, during Milovan Rajevac’s second spell as coach.
He remained with the national squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the current Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
Roy rose to prominence as a member of the coaching staff for Division One League club Vision FC in February 2020, before joining the national squad.
Sports
Veteran Sports Commentator Joe Lartey dies at 96
The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) has reported the death of Joe Lartey, a veteran Ghanaian football pundit and sports writer.
He passed away on Friday, April 26, 2024, at the age of 96.
Joe Lartey was born on June 6, 1927, in Accra and attended Accra Academy. Lartey, often known as “Over to You,” was a well-known broadcaster and SWAG’s founding president.
Lartey began his media career as a football commentator with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) in 1961.
He grew to be a popular figure in Ghana’s sports community.
He subsequently spent a decade at Radio Nigeria before returning to GBC in 1990. During his stint, he presented shows including Sports Digest on GTV.
In appreciation of his achievements in sports journalism, Lartey received the coveted “A Life in Sport” award from the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) during the AIPS Sport Media Awards ceremony in Doha, Qatar, in June 2022.
Lartey’s impact stretched well beyond Ghana, with numerous Ghanaian football analysts praising him for moulding their careers.
Fans and colleagues alike will remember him warmly for his pioneering work in sports broadcasting.
Sports
Xavi to stay as Barcelona’s coach until at least June 2025
Barcelona coach Xavi will stay with the club until at least the end of his contract in June 2025, having changed his mind about this being his final season.
The 44-year-old stated in January that he will stand down as manager this summer.
However, with president Joan Laporta desperate for him to stay, the former Barcelona and Spain midfielder has made a U-turn.
Xavi took over as manager of Barcelona in November 2021, after leaving Qatari club Al Sadd, and led the team to the Spanish title in his first full season in charge in 2022–23.
However, they are 11 points behind La Liga leaders Real Madrid with six games remaining in the current season.
Barcelona were eliminated from the Champions League last week after losing to PSG in the quarterfinals.
Xavi, who won 25 honours during his brilliant playing career at Barcelona, said he felt “liberated” with the revelation that he would leave the position at the conclusion of the season.
When he announced his departure following the defeat to Villarreal, he felt he was not being safeguarded by the club and there was no clear direction.
However, the team’s fortunes have improved since Xavi felt comfortable taking a more casual attitude.
They went ten games undefeated in the league before falling 3-2 to Real Madrid on Sunday.
On Wednesday, there was a meeting at Laporta’s residence, and the club’s desire for him to stay was clear.
If Xavi is unable to strengthen the squad before the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, Barcelona will attempt to persuade one of the high-profile managers out of contract, including Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique, and Mikel Arteta.
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