GFA Responds To Laryea Kingston

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has responded to issues related to the resignation of former Ghana U-17 coach, Laryea Kingston following the team’s failure to qualify for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup.

Ghana’s 2-1 defeat by Burkina Faso in the semifinals of the WAFU B Championship at the University of Ghana Stadium sealed their fate. A victory would have secured their spot in next year’s tournament.

At the post-match press conference, Kingston expressed his disappointment over the team’s inability to reach their target and announced his resignation.

Reflecting on his tenure, he noted his performance since being appointed initially as an assistant before becoming the head coach. However, he felt it was time to move on.

“After we came back from Russia, that’s when I decided that whether we win and qualify or not, I’m moving on. After this tournament, I’m resigning as the U-17 coach. I have made that decision already,” Kingston stated.

In a statement by the football governing body, it accused the former Black Stars player of using foul language and other inappropriate behaviour to communicate his resignation to the team he was coaching.

“Coach Kingston announced to the players and the coaching staff that he has resigned whilst using inappropriate language. He subsequently said same in his post-match Press Conference. Coach Kingston also got off the Team Bus whilst the team was on its way to the Team Hotel. He failed to attend the Team’s evening meeting with the Management Committee and has since not reported at the Team Hotel” part of the statement reads.

The statement further added that, the current Assistant Coaches will take charge of the team for the 3rd place playoff match between Ghana and Nigeria, scheduled for Tuesday, 28th May 2024.

Read the full statement below: 

The Ghana Football Association has taken note of the decision of the Head Coach of the National U17 Team, the Black Starlets, Laryea Kingston, to leave the team following his behaviour after the WAFU ZONE B U17 qualifier Semifinal match against Burkina Faso on 25th May 2024.

Laryea Kingston’s decision has been supported by his subsequent actions.

Coach Kingston announced to the players and the coaching staff that he has resigned whilst using inappropriate language.

He subsequently said same in his post-match Press Conference.

Coach Kingston also got off the Team Bus whilst the team was on its way to the Team Hotel.

He failed to attend the Team’s evening meeting with the Management Committee and has since not reported at the Team Hotel.

For the 3rd place play-off match between Ghana and Nigeria scheduled for Tuesday, 28th May, 2024, the current Assistant Coaches will take charge with support and from the Technical Director of the GFA.