Abdul Aziz Haruna Futa, a former Hearts of Oak management member and current Nasara Coordinator for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has expressed his concerns about the growing influence of politics in Ghana’s national football team, the Black Stars.

Speaking in an interview on Happy FM, Futa highlighted how political interference is negatively impacting the team’s performance, management, and overall progress. His comments come amidst rising tensions and reports of internal divisions within the squad.

Ernest Thompson, a former Black Stars management committee member, has previously alleged that political interests often dictate key decisions such as the appointment of coaches. Claims of favoritism and external pressures have also plagued the team during major tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and World Cup qualifiers.

Futa did not mince words, stating, “It is wrong to conflate football with politics, especially regarding the Black Stars. There’s a lot of politics happening within the Black Stars management team and even in the technical team.”

The criticism is particularly timely as the Black Stars recently failed to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, marking the first time in 21 years that Ghana will miss the prestigious tournament. Fans and stakeholders have called for introspection, and Futa’s remarks add weight to the need for structural reforms and independence in football administration.