Hearts of Oak’s Vincent Sowah Odotei rules out GFA presidential bid

Odotei, who previously challenged former GFA president Kwesi Nyantakyi for the position, says he has no immediate plans to make another attempt at leading the country’s football governing body.

The current GFA president, Kurt Okraku, is expected to complete his tenure in October 2027, when the association will hold its next elective Congress to elect a new leadership for a four-year term.

Several football personalities, including former GFA Executive Council member Samuel Annim Addo, former Brong Ahafo Regional Football Association chairman Ralph Gyambrah, Karela United chief executive Elloeny Amande and former GFA vice-president George Afriyie, have been linked with a possible presidential contest.

However, none of the individuals has officially declared an intention to contest the position.

Speaking to Joy Sports, Odotei said his immediate priority was addressing the challenges facing Hearts of Oak, while expressing concern about the overall state of Ghanaian football.

“As we sit here today, not really. I believe that now, coming into charge of Accra Hearts of Oak, I’m really, really worried and concerned about the state of the game,” he said.

The Hearts administrator added that he would continue to voice his concerns about issues affecting the domestic game, hoping his contributions would influence those responsible for its administration.

“Knowing who I am, with some of the issues, maybe I’ll communicate them in a different manner compared to when my brother was in charge. But there’s certainly a way that I’ll make my views known so that our friends who are in charge take note, so that we can improve the game,” he added.

When pressed on whether he would consider another presidential bid, Odotei was emphatic that he had no immediate intention of entering the race.

“In terms of contesting for the FA President, definitely no. But as Margaret Thatcher said, a day in politics is another time,” he stated.

Odotei’s comments come as attention gradually shifts towards the GFA’s 2027 presidential elections, which will determine the association’s leadership for the next four-year term.

Source:Fiilasports/ghanasoccernet