by Silas Boahene | Jan 31, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
The key dates for the 2024 FIFA Football Agent Exams, including the application period and exam date, have been officially disclosed.
Prospective candidates can apply for the 2024 FIFA Football Agent Exam from now until March 31, 2024. The exam itself is scheduled to take place on May 22, 2024, following the completion of the application process. Interested individuals are required to submit their applications on the FIFA Agent Platform, and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) will conduct the necessary reviews through user accounts on the Platform.
The inaugural FIFA Football Agent Regulations (FFAR), implemented in January 2023, saw its first examination held on April 19 at the GFA Secretariat. Subsequent exams were conducted on September 20, 2023, marking the mandatory requirement for football agents to hold licenses starting from October 1, 2023.
To aid candidates in their preparation for the upcoming exams, the applicable exam rules and study materials for the May 22, 2024, session have been made available on both the FIFA Agent Platform and the FIFA website.
Comprehensive information about the agent qualification process can be found in the “Agents” section on FIFA.com. Aspiring football agents are encouraged to review these details for a clear understanding of the steps involved in becoming a licensed FIFA Football Agent.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 31, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Following their third-place finish in Group B of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Ghana’s Black Stars are set to receive a $700,000 consolation prize as part of the tournament’s overall $34.6 million prize pool.
Despite narrowly missing out on advancing to the knockout stages, the Black Stars demonstrated a commendable performance in a challenging group. Their journey included a 2-1 loss to Group B winners Cape Verde, along with two hard-fought 2-2 draws against Egypt and Mozambique. While they finished third in the group, just behind Cape Verde and Egypt but ahead of Mozambique, they were among the two third-placed teams that did not progress further in the competition.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) recently outlined the distribution of the total prize money among the 24 participating teams. The six teams finishing at the bottom of their respective groups will each receive $500,000, while the eight teams exiting at the round of 16 will be awarded $800,000 each. The four losing quarterfinalists will each receive $1,300,000, and the two losing semi-finalists will be granted $2.5 million.
The competition’s losing finalist will be determined after the final on Sunday, February 11, 2024, and will receive $4 million, while the ultimate champion will claim the top prize of $7 million.
In comparing AFCON 2023 prize money with other major international tournaments in 2024, the AFC Asian Cup offers slightly lower rewards, with the winner taking home $5 million and the runner-up receiving $3 million. Meanwhile, UEFA has unveiled the prize money distribution for EURO 2024, with the winner set to receive $30.9 million, and the second-placed team earning $27.9 million.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 31, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is actively promoting gender inclusion in coaching through its sponsored All Female License D Coaching Course, currently underway at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram.
Commencing on Monday, January 29, 2024, the course has seen full participation from all 40 registered attendees. Mr. Charles Anokye Frimpong leads the instruction, supported by Madam Joyce Boatey Adjei and Madam Bernice Adutwumwaa, with supervision from GFA Director for Coaching Education, Professor Joseph Mintah.
The comprehensive course covers both theoretical and practical aspects of coaching. Participants have delved into foundational topics such as the basic principles and concepts of grassroots football, gaining insights into their roles as coach educators.
Practical sessions on the pitch have provided hands-on experience, focusing on the fundamental responsibilities of a coach. The curriculum includes in-depth theoretical discussions on teaching and learning principles, football safety, accident prevention, First Aid/CPR Training, and the developmental stages and characteristics of children aged 11-12.
Key areas of emphasis during the training involve the Ghana Football DNA, the growth and development of young footballers, coaching methodologies, and cardiovascular resuscitation/first aid administration. The GFA aims to bridge the gender gap in the football ecosystem by increasing the number of qualified female coaches. The course is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, January 28, 2024, marking a significant step toward fostering diversity and equality in football coaching
by Silas Boahene | Jan 31, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
In preparation for the upcoming African Games in March 2024, the Black Satellites are intensifying their training at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram. U20 Head Coach Desmond Ofei, along with the technical team, has selected 30 players for rigorous training to assemble a formidable squad that will proudly represent Ghana during the event.
The team, currently stationed at the Technical Centre in Prampram, has engaged in a series of low-profile training matches as part of their meticulous preparations for the tournament. With a focus on selecting the best lineup, the coaching staff is diligently working with different sets of players to ensure a competitive and well-prepared team.
Excitement is building as the draw for the African Games Football Tournaments (Men and Women) is set to take place on February 1, 2024, on the sidelines of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, Cote d’Ivoire 2023 Final Tournament. CAF has announced that host Ghana, along with the 8 quarterfinalists from the TotalEnergies U-20 AFCON, Egypt 2023, are qualified for the football tournament.
The qualified teams, including Ghana, Nigeria, Benin, Congo, The Gambia, Senegal, South Sudan, Tunisia, and Uganda, will be strategically distributed into two groups. Ghana, as the host nation, secures position A1, while Nigeria, the runners-up of the previous edition, will occupy position B1. The 13th African Games are scheduled to be held in Ghana from Friday, March 8, to Saturday, March 23, 2024, promising an exciting and competitive football spectacle.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 31, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
The Super Eagles have initiated preparations for their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal clash against Angola with a recovery session held on Monday, just two days after their impressive victory against the Indomitable Lions, as reported by Sportblog247.com.
In accordance with the usual routine, players who started and played significant portions of the game against Cameroon engaged in light exercises, while those who did not participate or came on as late substitutes underwent full training at the Ecole Nationale de la Police.
Stanley Nwabali faces a race against time to regain fitness for the match against Angola, as he did not participate in Monday’s team training. The Chippa United goalkeeper was stretchered off the pitch on Saturday night following a collision with Cameroon’s Georges-Kevin N’Koudou, resulting in a knee injury. Nwabali, currently undergoing tests to determine the extent of his injury, walked around the pitch separately while other players engaged in more intense physical activities. Manager Jose Peseiro will make a decision on including him in the matchday squad by Wednesday.
Central defender William Troost-Ekong and striker Victor Osimhen opted out of Monday’s training session, taking a breather after the physically demanding game against Cameroon. Despite sensational reports hinting at their doubtful status for the clash against Palancas Negras, the official word assures fans that there is no cause for concern. Both Troost-Ekong and Osimhen are set to resume full training on Tuesday, January 30.
