We should disregard FIFA – MP charges

The Member of Parliament for Yunyoo Constituency in the Northern Region, Joseph Bipoba Naabu, has stated that Ghana is an independent country and even though it belongs to an international association, it should still act on the laws of its jurisdiction.

According to him, the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) is taking the wrong decision if it bans Ghana simply because of the refusal to withdraw the court case seeking to dissolve the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

“We should disregard FIFA, if they think they are above the laws of Ghana, we don’t need them,” he mentioned.

Read: FIFA confirms Ghana and Nigeria final deadlines to avoid bans

Ghana’s football came to a halt in June after the government applied to an Accra High Court to dissolve the country’s football governing body due to alleged corruption, following the investigations of undercover journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas.

In a warning letter to Ghana on Monday, FIFA cited certain breaches to its statutes with that legal application since it prohibits all forms of interference.

The court action against the GFA is, consequently, deemed to be government interference in FIFA’s activities and hence warns the government to withdraw the case or face a ban.

But speaking on 3FM’s Sunrise on Tuesday, Mr Naabu mentioned that Ghana is a sovereign and independent country and therefore should not withdraw the case from court.

Read: I’m disappointed in FIFA’s letter to Ghana – Addai-Mensah

According to the lawmaker, the laws of Ghana govern Ghana and hence FIFA has no right to meddle in the affairs of this country.

“The laws of Ghana should govern the association of Ghana, we also belong to Ghana Football Association. If you are international you must go according to the laws of your jurisdiction.”

He went on to say that FIFA cannot impose its laws on Ghana because it is international; hence if Ghanaians go contrary to the laws of Ghana, Ghana has the right to take action by going to court.

Read: FIFA removes ‘corruption’ from code of ethics, adds defamation

“You can’t say because you are an international association, if the members of the association of Ghana go contrary to the laws of the country, we have the right to go to court.”

He urged Ghanaians not to give up but let the court determine what happens and not FIFA.

Source: 3news.com