By Andrew Warshaw
June 20 – The second most powerful official in African football has broken his silence after being banned by FIFA for allegedly taking bribes.
Kwesi Nyantakyi resigned from all his posts – Ghana Football Association chief, first president of CAF and FIFA council member – following a television documentary in which he was seen apparently accepting a gift of $65,000 from an undercover reporter.
Nyantakyi was one of the prime movers in African football in the fight against corruption and delegates at last week’s FIFA congress were stunned that he has now allegedly become a culprit himself.
Nyantakyi has responded to all the allegations in a press statement, painstakingly explaining what he says is his side of the story.
Nyantakyi claims the footage was doctored but in total, more than 100 football officials and administrators were shown accepting cash gifts in the investigative documentary that has left many Ghanaians in shock.
Police have charged Nyantekyi with defrauding by false pretence on grounds that he allegedly used the names of Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to extort money.
But in his statement, Nyantakyi vowed to clear his name, saying he was misrepresented by investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas’s team.
“I did not receive any monies for myself or on behalf of the President, the Vice President or any other senior Government official.” he said.
He wants the unedited video to be released, adding: “I assure all my friends and loved ones that I am determined to deal with this matter in accordance with the law as well as the most ethical and professional standards.” Following the broadcast, the government of Ghana dissolved the FA which was conspicuous by its absence at last week’s FIFA Congress in Moscow.
“From the outset, let me state that I do not support corruption in any form,” said Nyantakyi. “It is counterproductive and undermines the credibility of any endeavour.
“In the same vein, I will condemn any premeditated and deliberately contrived scheme as well as any prejudicial piece of work undertaken under the guise of fighting corruption only for purposes of pursuing the private agenda of people intended to tarnish my reputation and cause disaffection for me among members of the general public.”
Contact the writer of this story at andrew.warshaw@insideworldfootball.com