Former Hearts of Oak midfielder Sulley Muntari has raised serious concerns about the state of changing room facilities in Ghana’s football clubs.
The 40-year-old described the facilities as lacking basic hygiene and respect for players, stating, “The changing rooms have an unpleasant smell, that respect is not there. I wouldn’t even want my laundry done there; I’d rather take it home. The bad smell isn’t limited to just one team—it affects everyone.”
Sulley Muntari made 15 appearances for Hearts of Oak during the 2021/2022 season, contributing to the team’s success in winning the 2022 President’s Cup and the 2023 Ghana FA Cup. He retired from professional football in November 2022 after an illustrious career that included winning the UEFA Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, Italian Serie A, and English FA Cup, among other titles. He played for renowned clubs such as Inter Milan, AC Milan, Portsmouth, and Udinese.
These poor changing room conditions have a detrimental impact on players, potentially leading to discomfort, low morale, and even health issues. Such subpar facilities also reflect poorly on the professionalism and image of Ghanaian football, potentially deterring both local and foreign talent.
This issue demands immediate attention. The newly nominated Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and its licensing committee must enforce stricter standards for facility maintenance. Regular inspections are crucial to ensure compliance and improve the playing environment for all athletes. ED
