Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has dismissed claims that outside forces play a role in his decisions regarding player call-ups to the national team.
Queiroz addressed the issue during a press conference on Monday ahead of Ghana’s international friendly against Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday, June 2.
Questions surrounding alleged external influence in Black Stars squad selection have remained a longstanding topic among Ghanaian football supporters, with recurring concerns over whether national team coaches have full control over their choices.
Responding to a question on the matter, the veteran tactician gave a blunt response.
“Look at me nicely, look at me nicely again, and you are going to have the answer to your question,” he said.
“You see my answer? You don’t see me smiling? That’s my answer to you.”
The friendly against Wales forms part of Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the Black Stars will be making their fifth appearance at the global tournament.
Queiroz, who has previously managed Real Madrid, Portugal and Iran, has announced his final 26-man squad for the tournament, with Paul Reverson and Solomon Agebsi being the only two left out of the initial 28-man provisional squad.
Meanwhile, defender Derrick Luckassen has taken the place of Alexander Djiku, who has been ruled out of the tournament due to an injury.
Ghana have been drawn in Group L of the World Cup alongside England, Croatia and Panama.
The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field before facing England on June 23 at Gillette Stadium. They will conclude their group-stage fixtures against Croatia on June 27.
Ghana will be aiming to progress beyond the group stage for the first time since their memorable run to the quarter-finals at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
