In the world of football, where the beautiful game often intersects with politics and power, James Kwesi Appiah has drawn a line in the sand. The former Black Stars head coach, now at the helm of Sudan’s national team, has boldly spoken out against what he sees as a growing menace in the sport: interference in player selection by club owners, football agents, and even high-ranking officials.

Appiah, no stranger to controversy during his tenure with Ghana’s national team, was resolute in his stance during an interview with Asempa FM. “If you’re a coach and you allow a club chairman, an agent, or even the president of a country to dictate your team selection, then you are not a good coach,” he said firmly.

Reflecting on his philosophy, Appiah emphasized the importance of integrity and autonomy in coaching. “For me, even if you are the president, I will lose respect for you. At the end of the day, when things go wrong, it’s the coach’s name that is tarnished—not the agents or the officials.”

The veteran coach’s words echo the sentiments of many in the football world, where behind-the-scenes influence often overshadows meritocracy. His message is clear: a good coach must have the final say, ensuring that team decisions are based on skill, strategy, and the best interests of the game.