Ex-Asante Kotoko striker, Kwadwo Poku, has alleged that players pay bribes to gain national team call-ups.
Poku, in an interview with Accra-based Happy FM stated he cannot decipher why certain players are performing creditably well but are always overlooked during national duties.
“I think the fortunes of the Black Stars are dwindling and it’s because players have to pay bribes to officials to gain entry into the national team.
“Even though I’m no longer part of the team, most of the players are my friends and I speak with them,” he said.
“Isn’t it surprising that a player like Enoch Adu Kofi is playing regularly and featuring in the Champions League consistently but is not getting a look in at the Black Stars?
Popularly known as Kwadwo Poku Mahala, the 30-year-old who earned nine caps for Ghana further alleged that desperate players go to the extent of sponsoring the education of the children of officials.
“I’m even aware that some players used to pay the school fees of some GFA officials so as to get a call-up to the national team.”
In recent past, there have been claims and counter claims from players and officials alike citing instances where they have either been asked to pay or offered gifts to influence decisions.
Former head coach of the Black Stars, Kwesi Appiah once claimed rejecting 25,000 Euros from a player in May 2014 prior to the World Cup.
In August 2014, former U-20 national team coach, Sillas Tetteh, was accused by Ishmael Yartey for such compromises after he was dropped from the final squad for 2009 U-20 FIFA World Cup in Egypt.
He later came to debunk those allegations citing that he had never ever taken bribe from any player.
