Ghana FA Vice President George Afriyie insists Asamoah Gyan’s customized armband in the game against Ethiopia was not sanctioned.
Gyan donned a customized captain’s armband in the 5-0 win over Ethiopia in the opening 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Sunday in Kumasi.
The armband which had a picture of the 31-year-old colourfully embossed on it according to reports was in anticipation of celebrating his 50th goal milestone for the Black Stars – which he achieved by opening the scoring for Ghana.
But issues have since been raised over his fashion accessory as it could potentially attract a fine since it is against the regulations of the game.
Gyan’s customized armband was not part of the kits declaration process usually undertaken at pre-match technical meetings.
And Afriyie who also doubles as the chairman of the Black Stars management committee admits it was a mistake on the part of the captain.
“I can tell you for a fact that we did not sanction the customized armband,” he told Asempa FM.
“I wasn’t at the pre-match [technical meeting] but what I know is that it [customized armband] was not one of the things we declared.
“This happened at the blind side of everybody including the match officials.”
Gyan’s armband fiasco has succeeded in dominating the post-match discussions on what was a thumping start to Ghana’s qualification bid for Cameroon 2019.
It brings back into sharp focus rumours of power play between Asamoah Gyan and deputy Ghana captain Andre Ayew.
Ayew had to go in search of the approved band when Gyan was replaced in the second half.
