It has emerged that the national team of Ghana along with their technical handlers will miss the funeral of Christian Atsu who is due to be buried on March 17.
After Atsu’s funeral, the 25-man squad that head coach Chris Hughton has assembled is anticipated to begin travelling to Ghana in preparation for their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification match against Angola on March 23 in Kumasi.
Abdul Haye Yartey, the owner of Cheetah FC and Atsu’s local manager, responded that the senior national team was not involved in the funeral preparations when asked if the Black Stars would have any special roles to play at the funeral, per the account of Graphic Sports.
Yartey, who discovered Atsu’s talent and took him to Portugal to sign with FC Porto, said the preparation was being done by the office of the Chief of Staff, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the late footballer’s family.
“The preparation for the funeral has not factored in a role by the Black Stars as it stands despite the GFA playing a significant role in the arrangement,” Mr Yartey told the Graphic Sports.
“Preparations are at an advanced stage and I can tell you that the government is playing a major role with the family to ensure Atsu gets a befitting burial.”
The Black Stars are anticipated in town starting on March 19 after their club commitments, according to the GFA, who claims they were not taken into account when planning Atsu’s burial arrangements.
Henry Asante Twum, the GFA’s communications director, told Graphic Sports that his organization was coordinating closely with Atsu’s family and the government to make sure they gave the late player the best tributes possible.
“We are in constant communication with the family of Atsu and the government in the preparation for the funeral to ensure we send him off in a befitting way. There has not been any inclusion of the Stars because they will be arriving in the country after the funeral on Friday,” Mr Twum explained.
