Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, has rejected calls for his dismissal over alleged irregularities surrounding visa arrangements for Ghanaians seeking to travel to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The minister maintains that there is no justification for his removal, arguing that his ministry was not aware of the arrangements allegedly handled by the National Sports Authority (NSA), the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), the United States Embassy and private organisation TRIBE Culture Fest.

The controversy has intensified following allegations that prospective travellers paid substantial sums of money in the hope of securing visas to attend the tournament, which was hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Reports indicate that about 90 applicants were involved, but only five obtained visas. The precise circumstances surrounding the payments remain subject to investigation.

Adams explains his position

Speaking in an interview with Channel One TV, Adams said he first became aware of the details when a letter dated May 19 requested that the ministry forward the names of event coordinators and volunteers to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the US Embassy.

He argued that the ministry’s role in forwarding the correspondence did not mean it had organised the visa arrangements or had knowledge of any alleged financial transactions.

Adams also maintained that no government funds had been lost, rejecting suggestions that he should be removed from office over the controversy.

Minority demands accountability

The Minority in Parliament has called for Adams’ dismissal and prosecution over allegations connected to the visa arrangements. The opposition has raised questions about the roles played by public institutions and officials, including concerns about how some applicants were represented during the visa process.

The allegations have also drawn attention to the National Sports Authority, whose Director-General, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, was directed to step aside amid the controversy.

The minister has denied prior knowledge of the disputed arrangements, while the Sports Ministry has said it is prepared to cooperate with investigators.

Investigation expected to establish the facts

The Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service is investigating the allegations. The Sports Ministry has called for the process to establish the facts and identify anyone found to have engaged in wrongdoing.

The case has raised broader questions about transparency, oversight and the protection of Ghanaians seeking legitimate travel opportunities linked to major international sporting events.

For now, the allegations against the individuals and institutions involved remain matters for investigation. The outcome will be important in determining responsibility and whether further administrative or legal action is warranted.

Ghana’s senior women’s national football team, the Black Queens, face a challenging route as they pursue qualification for the women’s football tournament at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, United States.

Head coach Lars Kim Björkegren has acknowledged the difficulty of the campaign but remains confident in his players’ ability to compete for a place at the global event.

Björkegren acknowledges tough Olympic qualification challenge

Ghana advanced to the third round of the African qualifying competition after recording a commanding 10–0 aggregate victory over Mauritius. The team had received a bye in the opening preliminary round before overcoming Mauritius in the second round.

The Black Queens are scheduled to face Zambia in the third round, which is set to take place from 23 February to 6 March 2027. The tie represents another important test for Ghana as the team continues its pursuit of an Olympic debut.

Black Queens intensify preparations for Zambia test

Björkegren has stressed that the limited number of places available to African teams makes the qualification process particularly demanding. Only two African nations will qualify for the women’s football tournament at Los Angeles 2028.

Despite the challenge, the coach believes his squad has the quality and potential to progress. He has emphasised the need to win matches and maintain confidence throughout the campaign.

Ghana chase maiden Olympic appearance in women’s football

For Ghana, the stakes are significant. The Black Queens have yet to qualify for the Olympic Games, making the current campaign an opportunity to achieve a historic milestone in the country’s women’s football history.

Black Queens eye historic 2028 Olympic qualification

The team will need to prepare carefully for Zambia, maintain its recent momentum and deliver consistent performances if it is to keep its Olympic ambitions alive.

With the next qualifying round approaching, attention will turn to the technical team’s preparations and the players’ ability to rise to the challenge.

LONDON, United Kingdom — The chairman of England’s Independent Football Regulator (IFR), David Kogan, has warned that he would resign if political interference affected the regulator’s handling of any future action involving Manchester City.

Kogan made the declaration on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, while presenting the watchdog’s first State of the Game report in Manchester. He stressed that the organisation must be free to make regulatory decisions without political pressure or diplomatic considerations influencing its work.

The warning comes amid heightened scrutiny of Manchester City following an independent Premier League commission’s findings that the club breached financial regulations. City has appealed against the ruling and maintains that the findings contain significant errors. The outcome of the appeal remains important to any potential action by the new regulator.

Concerns Over Political Influence

The controversy has attracted additional attention following comments by UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who expressed concern about the possibility of Manchester City’s Abu Dhabi-backed owners leaving the club.

The issue highlights the potential tension between football regulation, investment interests and the United Kingdom’s wider relationship with the United Arab Emirates.

Kogan, however, said the regulator had not experienced political pressure and that he did not expect such interference in the future. He maintained that its decisions would be guided by its regulatory responsibilities rather than political or international considerations.

The IFR has powers to assess the suitability of club owners and senior executives. Depending on the circumstances and applicable procedures, its regulatory authority can extend to requiring ownership changes in serious cases.

Any assessment relating to Manchester City will depend on the outcome of the club’s appeal and the regulator’s subsequent examination of the relevant circumstances.

Financial Warnings Across English Football

Kogan’s comments came as the regulator published a wider assessment of the financial condition of English men’s professional football.

The report warned that the sport faces significant financial risks despite generating substantial revenues. According to the findings reported by Reuters, 94 per cent of clubs across the top five divisions recorded losses, while nearly two-thirds of English Football League and National League clubs were classified as technically insolvent.

The watchdog called for stronger financial controls, improved contingency planning and reforms to help make clubs more sustainable. It also highlighted the dependence of many teams on continued financial support from their owners.

What Happens Next?

Manchester City’s appeal remains a key step in determining the consequences of the Premier League commission’s findings. The IFR has indicated that it is awaiting the outcome before deciding whether further regulatory action may be necessary.

The case could become an important test of the regulator’s independence and its ability to apply football governance rules where major financial interests and international relationships are involved.

For English football, the challenge will be to maintain confidence in the regulatory process while addressing financial instability across the wider game.

KPDONLINE.NET will continue to follow developments in the Manchester City case and the future of football regulation in England.

By KPD News Online | October 8, 2026

The parliamentary Minority has intensified pressure over Ghana’s controversial visa arrangements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, calling for the removal of Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams and Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) Chief Executive Officer Maame Afua Houadjeto.

The demand was made by the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, during a press conference in Parliament on Wednesday.

The Minority argues that the controversy goes beyond the suspension of National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, who was asked to step aside while investigations continue into the visa arrangements.

At the centre of the controversy is an estimated US$623,000 visa facilitation payment connected to arrangements for Ghanaian supporters and officials travelling to the United States for the World Cup.

Questions over names submitted to embassies

According to the Minority, some people who were allegedly not employees or officials of relevant state institutions were presented as being connected to those institutions during the visa process.

Assafuah further alleged that cover letters were prepared to facilitate visa applications by presenting outsiders as Ministry of Sports personnel.

The Minority says investigators should establish who authorised the documents, how the lists were compiled and whether proper procedures were followed.

The GTA has also come under scrutiny. The Minority claims that a list of 50 people described as media personnel was submitted to the United States Embassy, but that verification allegedly identified only two as media practitioners. These claims have been reported as allegations by the Minority and have not, by themselves, established criminal wrongdoing.

Minority wants investigation extended

Assafuah said the investigation should not stop with the former NSA boss, arguing that all officials and institutions whose actions may have contributed to the controversy must be examined.

The Minority is therefore calling for the Sports Minister and GTA CEO to be removed from office while investigations proceed, and for prosecution where investigators establish evidence of criminal conduct.

The allegations also involve questions about payments reportedly ranging from several thousand dollars to individuals seeking access to the World Cup visa arrangements. The Minority says investigators must determine who received money, who authorised the arrangements and whether public institutions were properly used.

No finding of guilt yet

The calls by the Minority do not constitute a finding of criminal wrongdoing against Kofi Adams, Maame Afua Houadjeto or any other official.

The appropriate authorities would have to establish the facts, determine whether administrative breaches occurred and, where necessary, decide whether there is sufficient evidence for criminal prosecution.

The controversy has nevertheless created growing pressure for a broader investigation into Ghana’s World Cup travel arrangements and the involvement of public institutions.

The Minority maintains that accountability should extend to every official found to have played a role in any improper conduct.

London, United Kingdom — Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has signed a new contract with the Premier League champions, committing his future to the North London club as it looks to build on recent domestic success.

The agreement comes after a remarkable period under Arteta’s leadership, during which Arsenal reclaimed their position among England’s elite and captured the league title. Club officials described the extension as a reflection of their confidence in the Spaniard’s long-term vision and leadership.

Arteta, who took charge of Arsenal in 2019, has overseen a significant transformation both on and off the pitch. The club has developed one of the youngest and most competitive squads in Europe, combining emerging talent with experienced leadership.

Speaking after the announcement, Arteta said he remains motivated by the opportunity to help Arsenal achieve even greater success in the coming years. He emphasized the strong relationship between the coaching staff, players, supporters, and club ownership as key factors behind his decision to stay.

Arsenal executives welcomed the extension, praising the manager for restoring a winning mentality and establishing a clear footballing identity. They expressed confidence that the club can continue competing for major domestic and European honours under his guidance.

Supporters have largely reacted positively to the news, viewing the contract renewal as an important step in maintaining stability and continuity at a time when Arsenal is seeking to strengthen its position among Europe’s top clubs.

With the new agreement in place, attention now turns to the upcoming season, where Arteta will be tasked with defending Arsenal’s league crown while pursuing further success in cup competitions and on the European stage.