Don’t Fight GFA- Laryea Kingston Warns
Former Ghana U-17 coach Laryea Kingston has advised newly appointed Sports and Recreation Minister, Kofi Adams, to approach the Ghana Football Association (GFA) diplomatically rather than confrontationally in efforts to improve football administration.
“I’m urging the government to put their feet down. They shouldn’t go in to fight the FA, because FIFA doesn’t allow that, but they should use their diplomatic powers to ensure measures are put in place to ensure the FA is run properly,” Kingston told Joy Sports during an interview on February 22nd 2025.
There have been growing calls for the Minister to focus on the GFA’s operations as part of efforts to restore Ghana’s footballing success. However, Kingston, who resigned from his role with the Black Starlets citing interference from the FA, believes the government must take a firm yet strategic approach.
Kingston’s departure from the Black Starlets was controversial. He led Ghana in the 2024 WAFU B U-17 Cup of Nations but stepped down after the team failed to qualify for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, losing to Burkina Faso in the semifinals.
His sudden resignation sparked debate, with the GFA later accusing him of unprofessional conduct.
Recounting his experience, Kingston disclosed that before Ghana’s crucial group-stage match against Ivory Coast, a GFA official threatened his job if the team failed to win.
“If you don’t win the game against Ivory Coast tomorrow, your coach is going to lose his job. It’s a threat,” Kingston revealed to Joy Sports.
“At that moment, I realized the environment wasn’t good for me,” he added.
He also lamented the lack of continuity in Ghana’s youth development, stating that despite his extensive scouting efforts, the team he built is no longer being utilized.
Kingston now works with RPS Academies in the United States, focusing on youth development.
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