Asamoah Gyan reveals the truth and says Sulley Muntari didn’t slap anyone during the 2014 World Cup
Ex-Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan has recently shed light on the controversial events that unfolded during Ghana’s 2014 World Cup campaign, specifically addressing allegations against his teammate Sulley Muntari.
Ghana’s Challenging 2014 World Cup
Ghana’s participation in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil was marked by a series of challenging events both on and off the pitch. The Black Stars were placed in a tough group alongside the USA, Germany, and Portugal, and unfortunately, they failed to secure a win, leading to an early exit from the tournament.
Financial Strains and Team Discontent
One of the major issues that plagued Ghana’s campaign was related to delayed payments of player bonuses. This financial dispute escalated to the point where the players threatened not to play their final group match against Portugal unless their bonuses were paid. The situation created a tense atmosphere within the camp, culminating in various confrontations.
The Alleged Incident with Sulley Muntari
Amid these tumultuous times, Sulley Muntari, a renowned midfielder who played for clubs like AC Milan and Portsmouth, was reported to have been involved in a physical altercation with a Ghana Football Association (GFA) member. The other party involved was identified as Moses Armah Parker, the President of Medeama SC.
Media reports at the time claimed that Muntari had slapped Parker during the fallout. However, Asamoah Gyan, who was the team captain, has come forward to clarify these claims. Speaking on Onua TV, Gyan stated, “Sulley Muntari didn’t slap anyone. I was there, and all I can say is that he didn’t slap anyone. I don’t want to go into details, but he didn’t slap anyone.”
James Kwasi Appiah’s Account
Further insights into the incident were provided by James Kwasi Appiah, the coach of the Black Stars at the time. In his memoir, Leaders Don’t Have to Yell, Appiah detailed the events leading to the altercation. According to Appiah, he visited Muntari’s room after hearing about the incident.
Muntari explained to Appiah that what began as a conversation with the GFA member quickly escalated into a heated exchange. During this confrontation, the GFA member allegedly threw the first punch, which led to Muntari fighting back, resulting in visible bruises and blood on his face. Despite Appiah’s efforts to calm the situation, Muntari later went to the official’s room and damaged his property, including a laptop and cell phone.
The Aftermath of the Incident
The fallout from the incident was significant. Muntari, along with teammate Kevin-Prince Boateng, was dismissed from the camp by Coach Appiah. This decision was intended to restore discipline and focus within the team, although it underscored the deep-seated issues that had affected the squad’s morale and performance.
Conclusion
The controversies surrounding Ghana’s 2014 World Cup campaign highlight the complex dynamics of international football, where off-field issues can significantly impact on-field performance. Asamoah Gyan’s recent statements and the details from James Kwasi Appiah’s memoir provide a clearer picture of the challenges faced by the Black Stars in Brazil, offering a narrative that goes beyond the initial media reports. Such accounts are crucial for understanding the pressures and conflicts that can arise in high-stakes environments like the FIFA World Cup.
About The Author
