by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 2, 2026 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to rebuilding Ghana football from the grassroots up following a historic engagement with football stakeholders in Wa, the first of its kind in the Upper West Region.
The meeting formed part of the GFA President’s regional tour and brought together club owners, administrators, match commissioners, technical directors, senior referees and Catch Them Young referees. Addressing the gathering, Simeon-Okraku laid out a clear long-term vision centered on what he described as “fixing the fundamentals” — a deliberate bottom-up strategy aimed at creating a sustainable and inclusive football ecosystem.
He explained that rebuilding Ghana football requires targeted investment at the foundation level to ensure lasting success at the top, stressing that meaningful progress can only be achieved by strengthening grassroots football, officiating, coaching and administration.
Highlighting achievements since 2019, the GFA President pointed to increased and sustained support for Regional Football Associations, referees and youth development programmes, including the Catch Them Young Referees initiative. He noted that investment has been expanded across all competitions, covering the Ghana Premier League, Division One League, Women’s Premier League and Women’s Division One League.
Simeon-Okraku revealed that over the past two seasons, the FA has invested $100,000 annually in footballs for colts clubs, alongside an additional $100,000 each year dedicated to regional football development. He also emphasized ongoing efforts in referee development, coach education and capacity building, including the provision of free coaching courses for grassroots, elite and female coaches.
On domestic competitions, the GFA President highlighted significant improvements in broadcast coverage and financial backing. The Ghana Premier League is currently enjoying what he described as its best television production to date, while Division One League Zones 2 and 3 are airing on free-to-air television, with Zone 1 set to be broadcast for the first time.
In a historic move, each Premier League club received GH¢1 million ahead of the current season, while over GH¢9 million has been committed in prize money, with league champions set to earn GH¢2 million — a first in Ghana football history.
At the Division One level, clubs received GH¢120,000 in direct financial support, with the FA absorbing costs related to referees, match commissioners, venue media officers and cameramen — an intervention valued at more than GH¢52,000 per club.
Simeon-Okraku further announced that around 280 referees across the Ghana Premier League, Women’s Premier League and Division One League are now fully insured by the FA, with new uniforms, training boots and vests set for distribution. From next season, match commissioners will also benefit from similar support.
Beyond competition funding, the GFA President highlighted major infrastructure investments, including the $742,000 FIFA-standard football facility in the Upper East Region — the area’s first standard pitch. The complex features perimeter fencing, floodlights, changing rooms and a standby generator, with plans to add a dormitory to host national teams.
He also pointed to the transformation of the Prampram Technical Centre, now fully owned by the GFA, describing it as a growing national asset capable of hosting major football events and accommodating Congress delegates.
Reaffirming his passion for youth development, Simeon-Okraku underscored the impact of the “Power to the Youth” policy, which guarantees every region participation in at least five national championships annually, including the Upper West Region.
He noted that youth competitions now offer young players national exposure, access to scouts and real career opportunities, while also providing young referees with structured mentorship and practical experience through the Academy of Referees.
In concluding his address, the GFA President stressed the importance of engaging stakeholders at the regional level, describing them as the ultimate beneficiaries of the FA’s initiatives. He reaffirmed that the association’s mission remains to ignite passion and create wealth through football by fixing the fundamentals and building the game from the grassroots to the highest level.
The engagement was attended by Upper West Regional FA Chairman Alhaji Sadugu Yahaya, GFA Regional Football Coordinator Daseebre Adu Asare, Wa Suntaa SC President Arif Daud, GFA Chief of Staff Michael Osekre and Dreams FC President Jiji Alifoe Mohammed.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 2, 2026 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
Questions have been raised over reports linking Celtic target Tawanda Maswanhise with a late move to Belgian giants Anderlecht on transfer deadline day.
The Motherwell winger has been strongly linked with Celtic, while reports in Belgium suggested Anderlecht were also monitoring the Zimbabwean attacker, with Motherwell believed to value him at around £2.5 million. However, those claims appear to contradict Motherwell’s firm stance on the player.
According to journalist Graeme McGarry, his understanding is that Maswanhise is “not for sale,” casting further doubt on the credibility of the reported interest from abroad.
Uncertainty surrounding the rumour has been heightened by recent developments at Anderlecht. The Belgian club announced the dismissal of head coach Besnik Hasi less than 24 hours before reports of their interest in Maswanhise surfaced.
In a brief statement released on X, Anderlecht confirmed Hasi’s departure, thanking him for his commitment and service. The timing of the managerial change has prompted questions about whether the club would realistically be pursuing a new winger amid internal upheaval.
Anderlecht are currently enduring a difficult season, sitting fourth in the Belgian Pro League and trailing leaders Union Saint-Gilloise by 13 points. With a new manager yet to be appointed, the logic behind a deadline-day move for a player already deemed unavailable by his club has been widely questioned.
As a result, skepticism remains over whether Anderlecht’s reported interest in Maswanhise is genuine, leaving Celtic as the more credible suitor should any move materialise.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 2, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Junior Adamu has revealed why joining Celtic was an easy decision after completing a deadline-day loan move from Bundesliga side Freiburg, with the deal including an option to buy.
The 24-year-old striker becomes the latest addition to Brendan Rodgers’ squad as Celtic strengthen for the Scottish Premiership title run-in and the Europa League play-offs. Once regarded as one of Europe’s brightest young forwards during his time at the Red Bull Salzburg academy, Adamu has found opportunities limited in Germany, prompting a fresh challenge.
Celtic moved swiftly to secure his services, convinced the Austrian international can make an immediate impact. Adamu will now compete with fellow loanee Tomas Cvancara for a central attacking role and is relishing the battle for a place in the starting XI.
Speaking to Celtic TV after his unveiling, Adamu admitted that the club’s interest left him with little hesitation.
He expressed his excitement at the project, outlining his ambitions to win trophies, score goals and continue his development as a player. Adamu also highlighted the confidence shown in him by the manager, noting that their discussions about tactics and expectations helped build an instant connection.
Describing himself as a striker who thrives in the penalty area, Adamu said he is hungry to deliver goals and eager to showcase his strengths on the pitch. He also shared his anticipation of playing at Celtic Park, admitting he has watched numerous videos of the stadium and cannot wait to experience the atmosphere firsthand.
With Celtic facing a key decision in the summer over which striker to sign permanently, fans are already debating whether Adamu or Cvancara should be the long-term choice.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 2, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
Chelsea are preparing to recall Senegalese international defender Mamadou Sarr from his loan spell at RC Strasbourg, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Romano revealed on Monday that the Blues have made a firm decision on the 20-year-old, viewing him as a key long-term asset in central defence and an important part of the club’s future project. His return to London is expected to be completed imminently.
Sarr joined Chelsea from Strasbourg in June and featured for the club at the FIFA Club World Cup, making a brief appearance in their final group-stage match against Espérance Sportive de Tunis. He was subsequently loaned back to Strasbourg for the 2025/26 season under the BlueCo ownership structure.
However, Chelsea have now opted to bring the young centre-back back midway through the campaign to strengthen their defensive options for the second half of the season.
The defender previously worked under current Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior during his time at Strasbourg, before the manager’s move to Stamford Bridge earlier in January.
Internationally, Sarr initially represented France at U-20 level before switching his allegiance to Senegal in December, alongside Paris Saint-Germain prospect Ibrahim Mbaye. He quickly became an integral part of the Lions of Teranga setup, making three appearances at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Sarr started both the semi-final and final of the tournament, playing a crucial role as Senegal went on to lift the AFCON trophy for the second time in their history.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 2, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has announced that it will fully settle all fines imposed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on its players, technical staff and officials following disciplinary sanctions arising from the chaotic 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco.
Senegal’s 1-0 extra-time victory over tournament hosts Morocco on January 18, 2025, was marred by a series of controversial incidents. The final in Rabat featured a brief walk-off protest by Senegalese players after a late penalty decision, heated confrontations involving team officials, and crowd unrest that saw spectators attempt to invade the pitch.
In a statement issued on January 31, 2026, the FSF confirmed it has accepted CAF’s disciplinary ruling in full and will not pursue an appeal. The federation said it would assume financial responsibility for all penalties under Article 91.4 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.
The sanctions followed CAF Disciplinary Board Decision No. DC23315, delivered on January 28, 2026, after a review of misconduct during and after the final. CAF cited unsporting behaviour by players and technical staff, as well as supporter actions deemed to have brought the game into disrepute.
In total, the fines imposed on Senegal amounted to approximately USD 615,000, covering separate penalties related to crowd behaviour, team misconduct and multiple cautions during the match.
Beyond the financial penalties, Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw received a five-match CAF ban and a USD 100,000 fine for unsporting conduct after leading his players off the pitch. Players Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr were each handed two-match suspensions for misconduct towards match officials.
CAF also sanctioned Morocco with fines and player bans, although the hosts’ appeal against the match result was dismissed.
In its statement, the FSF stressed its respect for CAF regulations and reiterated its commitment to upholding the integrity of African football, while accepting responsibility for the consequences of the final.
Despite the disciplinary controversy, Senegal remains Africa’s champions after lifting the AFCON trophy in a dramatic extra-time triumph.
