Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has sparked discussion after commenting on the international future of England and Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
Speaking in an interview, Kurt expressed disappointment at seeing players of Ghanaian descent choosing to represent other countries instead of Ghana.
He said he would prefer to see “full-blooded Ghanaians” playing for the national team, adding that this is his personal view on national representation in football.
“It is most unfortunate to see Kobbie Mainoo in an England shirt,” he said. “I wish I never comment on it, but when I watched the French team that won the World Cup and saw many players of African descent, it tells me there is a subject that must be discussed.”
Kurt Okraku pointed to France’s World Cup-winning squad, which included several players with African heritage, as an example of how global football has become more diverse.
He suggested that African countries, including Ghana, should do more to encourage talented players of origin to represent their ancestral nations instead of European countries.
According to him, the issue raises wider questions about identity, development pathways, and the global competition for talented young footballers who grow up or are born in Europe. He revealed during the interview on Asempa FM.
Kobbie Mainoo, who was born in England to Ghanaian parents, has already established himself as one of the promising young midfielders in European football.
His rise has been closely followed by both England and Ghana supporters.
