Ghanaian football legend George Alhassan has voiced his dissatisfaction with the relegation of Accra Great Olympics from the Ghana Premier League (GHPL) at the end of the 2023/24 season. The former striker, in an interview on Adom TV’s Sports Arena, suggested that the team’s demotion was not fair and hinted at possible foul play. According to Alhassan, the Dade Boys performed admirably throughout the season and had several players sought after by top clubs. Despite their efforts, he alleged that questionable decisions during matches played a role in their downfall. One instance he highlighted involved a reversed penalty decision after the referee consulted a linesman, leaving him and the team baffled. Alhassan expressed disappointment, noting that the club had no known issues with officials from the Ghana Football Association (GFA), making the situation all the more puzzling.
Alhassan, who has served as the team manager for Great Olympics since 2020, emphasized the pain of seeing the club relegated despite its strong performance. Reflecting on the team’s history, he recalled their reputation as one of the best teams in the league and suggested that external forces might have influenced their relegation. However, he refrained from mentioning specific individuals or organizations, choosing instead to focus on the impact of the relegation on the team and its supporters. Alhassan’s frustration highlights deeper concerns about transparency and fairness in Ghanaian football, especially as he believes the relegation was orchestrated rather than a result of poor performance on the pitch.
As a player, George Alhassan had a storied career with Accra Great Olympics, spanning from 1974 to 1982 and again from 1985 to 1990. He helped the team win the Ghana Premier League in 1974 and emerged as the league's top scorer in 1977 and 1985. On the international stage, Alhassan was instrumental in Ghana’s triumphs at the Africa Cup of Nations in 1978 and 1982, solidifying his legacy as one of the country’s football greats. His current role as team manager underscores his unwavering commitment to the club, even during challenging times like relegation. For Alhassan and other devoted supporters, this recent setback is not just a blow to the club but also a call to address the perceived injustices in the league, ensuring a fair and competitive environment for all teams.
