Ghana’s Head coach, Otto Addo, was sacked just 72 days before the World Cup, and he was sacked alongside his technical team, including Winfried Schäfer.

Speaking for the first time after his dismissal as Black Stars technical director, Winfried Schäfer has denied having a hand in the decision to dismiss the former Dortmund talent manager, arguing that such a decision was entirely outside his responsibilities.

“I had absolutely nothing to do with Otto’s dismissal. That wouldn’t have been within my remit as Technical Director,” Schäfer told Transfermarkt.

Otto Addo was dismissed after a poor run of form leading to defeats against Austria and Germany in the last international friendlies played on March 27 and Monday, March 30, respectively.

Winfried and Black Stars

Winfried Schäfer served as the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) Technical Director from 2025 until April 2026.

He was brought in to assist Otto Addo by helping shape strategies, scouting talent. Under his tenure, Ghana achieved World Cup qualification, but did not win any major trophy.

“On the contrary, we worked very closely together. I joined the team in 2025 to support Otto, as well as the sporting management and the president of the federation, with my experience,” he explained.

He however expressed shock over Otto Addo’s dismissal noting tthat within such a short period (74 days) to the World Cup he expected that he’d be allowed to lead the team to the global football tournament.

Schäfer also revealed that his own spell with the national team ended shortly after the coaching change.

Despite the abrupt exit, he maintained there was no bitterness towards the Ghana Football Association, expressing appreciation for his time with the team.

“It’s a shame when it ends so abruptly because I really enjoyed working with the guys. But sometimes that’s how it is, and you can’t change it now,” he said.

Before his dismissal, Otto Addo admitted that his job was never secure, regardless of whatever results he achieves with the Black Stars.

He made these remarks after his side suffered a wanton 5-1 defeat to Austria during the international friendly on Friday, March 27, in Vienna.

The 50-year-old former Ghana international has faced mounting pressure since returning to the role, with concerns over the team’s inconsistent performances growing louder in recent months.

Despite increasing calls for his dismissal, Addo insists he remains focused and undistracted by public criticism.

“Even when we qualified for the World Cup, people were calling for me to step down. So, [my job] is always under threat, but I don’t really care,” the former Borussia Dortmund assistant coach said.

On his part, his focus is to give his best for the team and make the best out of the squad as well.

“For me, the most important thing is that I prepare my best for the team to the best,” he added.

World Cup fundraiser

Meanwhile, an amount of at $10m was raised at the launch of Black Stars' fundraising campaign organised on Monday, March 23, ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.

This information was disclosed by the Deputy Finance Minister and Chairman of the Fundraising Committee, Thomas Nyarko Ampem.

“The fundraising target is $30 million, and if you listen to the pledges and donations, on day one of the launch, we got about $10 million. We are going to put together other events, and we believe that the contributions that are coming in from the short code as well,” he said.

The launch event was attended by high-profile individuals, including President John Dramani Mahama, Sports Minister Kofi Adams, and Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku.