FA, Ministry Impasse Could Derail World Cup Campaign � Dede Ayew

Black Stars deputy skipper Andre Dede Ayew says Ghana risk not qualifying for the next World Cup in Russia if the off-field wrangling between the Ghans Football Association (GFA) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports were not addressed.

He said if the two major stakeholders do not unite behind the team a historic fourth time appearance in world’s biggest football gathering in 2018 could be a mirage.

The 26-year-old midfielder told the Graphic Sports last wednesday that the country needed “all stakeholders to come together to help the team qualify for the World Cup".

In recent months, the ministry and the FA have been engaged in a media battle over issues in which pundits fear could negatively affect the fortunes of the team if not settled quickly.

"If off-the- field matters are not dealt with it will be difficult for the team to qualify for the tournament," he added on the sidelines of a promotional tour of Accra by officials of West Ham United and their shirt sponsor, Betway.com.