Fiifi Tackie, the spokesperson for the Ayew family, has strongly criticized Black Stars head coach Otto Addo following his remarks about Andre Ayew’s exclusion from the national team.
Despite Ayew’s impressive performances in the French Ligue 1 with Le Havre, the 35-year-old was left out of Ghana’s squad for the Matchday 5 and 6 fixtures of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
When asked about his decision to omit the experienced forward, Addo stated in an interview with Joy Sports that other players were currently ahead of Ayew in his selection process.
“If we need Andre Ayew, we will call him. At the moment, I see others ahead of him,” Addo remarked.
However, Tackie did not take kindly to the coach’s comments and expressed his displeasure in a social media post, arguing that Addo had shown a lack of respect for Ayew.
He questioned the coach’s stance, highlighting that Addo himself had previously emphasized active club participation as a key criterion for selection.
“Coach Otto Addo’s comments on Andre Ayew are shocking and disappointing. On numerous occasions, the same coach has said one of the key criteria for selection into the national team is active club participation. How can Ayew, Ghana’s most-capped player, a three-time World Cup veteran, and a proven leader, be deemed unworthy even when playing well at his club in the French league?” he quizzed.
He further criticized Addo’s decision, pointing out that the coach had failed to secure Ghana’s qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
“Ayew’s legacy and commitment to the Black Stars are undeniable. His experience, leadership, and track record in major tournaments speak volumes. It is baffling that a coach who failed to qualify Ghana for this year’s Africa Cup of Nations would so casually dismiss the contributions of a player who has consistently delivered for his country and is playing week in and week out at his club,” he continued.
Tackie described Addo’s comments as “unprofessional and unbecoming” of a national team coach, arguing that Ayew deserved more recognition for his contributions to the Black Stars.
“Such remarks are not only disrespectful to Ayew but also undermine his sacrifices and the pride he has brought to Ghana football. Coach Addo’s comments are unprofessional and unbecoming of someone in his position.”
Andre Ayew last featured for Ghana during the March 2024 international break in a 2-2 draw against Uganda. Since making his debut in 2007, the Le Havre forward has earned 120 caps and scored 24 goals for the national team.
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