The Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante-Twum, has disclosed that the GFA had to pay over $100,000 in compensation to former Black Stars coach Milovan Rajevac following his dismissal.

The Serbian tactician was relieved of his duties after overseeing Ghana’s disappointing performance at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon.

His sacking followed directives from the Sports Ministry to the GFA to reconstitute the Black Stars’ Management Committee.

Speaking on Game Plan on Joy FM on Friday, 29 November 2024, Asante Twum highlighted the financial challenges the GFA faced in addressing Milovan’s outstanding arrears.

“When Milo [Milovan Rajevac] was fired, it became an issue because he didn’t have time to waste, so he went to FIFA,” Asante Twum explained.

“FIFA ruled in Milo’s favour, and we had to pay over $100,000. It was about $117,000 or so. Despite several pleas, the Ministry wasn’t forthcoming, so the FA had to settle the amount.”

This situation, he said, has prompted the GFA to tread carefully in its current deliberations on Otto Addo’s future as head coach of the Black Stars.

Otto Addo, who recently led the Black Stars to a failed qualification for AFCON 2024, presented a detailed report on the team’s performance to the GFA Executive Council (ExCo) on Wednesday, 27 November.

The meeting, which lasted over four hours, allowed ExCo members to question Addo on his tactical decisions and overall management of the team.

“He presented a 56-page report, detailing the call-ups, tactics, and the outcomes of all six games in the qualifiers. After his presentation, each member of the council had the opportunity to ask questions,” Asante Twum noted.

However, discussions on Otto Addo’s future remain unresolved. “There was a stalemate among council members, so the decision was made for the Sports Ministry to step in,” he added.

Ghana’s failure to qualify for AFCON 2024 marks a significant low point for the Black Stars. The team placed last in Group F with just three points, missing the continental showpiece for the first time in 21 years.

The GFA’s financial struggles with compensating sacked coaches, coupled with the Black Stars’ poor performance, have intensified calls for structural reforms within the national football team’s management.