Former Ghana coach, Kwesi Appiah, has revealed what led to Black Stars’ early exit from the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
After an excellent output in the 2006 and 2010 in Germany and South Africa respectively, the four-time African champions were hoping to impress in Rio.
However, Ghana exited the Mundial at the group phase of the tournament and failed to win a single game.
After three matches played in the group stage, the Black Stars lost twice and drew once.
Appiah, speaking to GTV Sports Plus, revealed what led to Ghana’s shambolic and abysmal output, adding that government’s failure to stick to their promise ruined their preparation.
“I planned not to talk about this unfortunate incident that happened in Brazil,” he said. “The whole incident happened when the team played Netherland in a friendly ahead of the World Cup.
“The players started demanding for their monies when we were departing for Brazil but the government officials kept telling us to be patient but the players were not ready to hear that.
“In the past, when expatriate coaches were in charge of the Black Stars, the players got their appearance fees before they left the shores of the country for any major tournament so why me? I felt bad about that and in Brazil, they told us a different story and that informed the players that if they don’t boycott training or agitate for their money, there was no way they would get their money.
“We had a good preparation ahead of the tournament but because the government failed to stick to their promise, it ruined everything so when I hear people blaming the players and the coach, I find it funny.
“Mr Nyantakyi and the management team were even disturbed because this has never happened at the Black Stars,” he added.
Ghana’s early exit from the tournament led to the institution of the Dzemafe Commission of Inquiry.
