Fred Pappoe Explains Challenges of Dismissing Otto Addo Amid Black Stars’ AFCON Failure
Fred Pappoe, a former Vice President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has shed light on the difficulties of dismissing Otto Addo, head coach of the Black Stars, despite mounting public calls for his removal.
Addo, who signed a three-year contract in March 2024, has come under fire after failing to lead Ghana to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Ghana ended the qualifiers at the bottom of Group F with three points, marking the first time in 20 years the Black Stars will miss the continental tournament.
Speaking to Starr FM, Pappoe highlighted the financial and logistical challenges of sacking a coach.
“It is extremely difficult to change a coach. During my time as the Vice President, we changed a coach that I didn’t like at all,” Pappoe said, referencing his experience in the GFA. “When you decide to sack a coach, you must pay him off and bring in another. You must pay a signing-on fee or an enticement fee to bring another coach. With our situation now, you can’t always be running to the Ministry to pay such monies.”
While acknowledging the frustration of fans over Addo’s performance, Pappoe emphasized that the decision to dismiss a coach involves careful consideration of costs and alternatives.
The GFA has announced it is consulting stakeholders on Addo’s future following a lengthy meeting. In the meantime, the Black Stars are focusing on the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with crucial matches against Chad and Madagascar scheduled for March 2025.
Despite the backlash, Pappoe’s comments suggest that Addo’s position may be secure for now, as the GFA navigates its next steps amid financial and strategic considerations.
