The Ghana Football Association (GFA) got it wrong with the timing of its decision to fine goalkeeper Razak Brimah for his foul-mouthed rant at Ghanaians, Thomas Monreaux Best, a sports analyst, has said.
A statement released by the GFA on Tuesday January 31 said: “The Ghana Football Association (GFA) held a meeting on Tuesday morning to examine comments made by goalkeeper Razak Brimah on social media. The meeting was necessitated by the unfortunate words used by Brimah which management finds unacceptable.
“We have also received a written apology from Brimah over the comments, which we have considered in reaching a decision.”
Management determined that Brimah’s comments on social media were in violation of Article 6(1) & (2) of the Black Stars’ Code of Conduct which provides as follows:
“1) During the periods of camping, all members of the delegation, particularly players, are forbidden to engage in any discussions, and/or any form of communication with player agents, scouts, journalists, and all other unauthorised personnel except with the express permission of the head coach or leader of delegation.
“2) Any player who violates Clause 1 of this article shall be subject to a fine of not less than $1,000.00. In pursuance thereof, the GFA has decided to impose a fine of $2,500 on Brimah, which will be donated to a charity in Ghana.
“We render an unqualified apology to the general public. We will continue to count on the unflinching support of Ghanaians to help us win the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.”
But speaking in an interview with Chief Jerry Forson on Ghana Yensom on Accra100.5FM ahead of the Black Stars encounter with the Indomitable Lions of Cameroun Thursday evening, Mr Best said: “Every serious or very level-headed country wouldn’t have said anything about Razak Brimah until after the tournament. The GFA could have waited for the tournament to be over, then you bring him to Ghana and sanction him.
“Look at what the Ghanaian media are saying about Razak Brimah. Those who are even talking have insulted everybody in Ghana here – listen to their utterances about Razak Brimah. Of course he was wrong with his comments but the GFA should have waited for the right time to sanction him.”
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