FIFA has officially acknowledged the receipt of a petition submitted by a Ghanaian whistleblower against the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, alleging violations of FIFA’s code of ethics.
The petition, filed by Akwasi Ossei Nkrumah on July 7, 2023, accuses Kurt Okraku of various breaches, including forgery and falsification, conflict of interest, abuse of position, duty of loyalty, and manipulation of football matches or competitions, as outlined in Articles 25, 20, 26, 16, and 30 of the FIFA Code of Ethics 2023.
In response to the petition, FIFA confirmed the receipt and stated that they would assess the submitted documents and information. They further mentioned the possibility of initiating preliminary investigations into the alleged breach of the code of ethics, following instructions from the Chairperson of the Investigatory Chamber in accordance with Article 61 FCE.
However, FIFA did not provide any comment regarding whether the petition had been received by the Independent Investigatory Chamber, stating that they were unable to provide further information on the state of the proceedings, if any.
On July 7, 2023, Akwasi Ossei Nkrumah lodged the petition with the FIFA Ethics Committee, raising concerns about Kurt Okraku’s involvement with Dreams Football Club, a Ghana Premier League Club, and Proton Sports Services, a player and match agency. Nkrumah alleges that this dual role held by Okraku is in violation of FIFA Statutes.
Additionally, Ossei Nkrumah listed several claims against the GFA President, accusing him of activities detrimental to football development in Ghana.
During the GFA 29th Ordinary Congress in Kumasi on July 10, Kurt Okraku addressed the issue, suggesting that he was being targeted unfairly by members of the football ecosystem. He emphasized his commitment to integrity by stating that, despite having access to potentially damaging information, he would not engage in defaming or maligning individuals within Ghana’s football community.
Kurt Okraku assumed the presidency of the GFA in October 2019 and is now seeking re-election for a second term in office. He has confirmed his decision to run for re-election in October later this year.