TheCable

Avram Grant, chief coach of Ghana’s national team, and the Ghanaian Football Association (GFA) have mutually agreed to part ways after the Black Stars failed to get to the final of the 2017 African Cup of Nations.

More importantly, the Black Stars also failed in their quest to win the African championship for the first time since it last won in 1982 in Libya.

The Isreali coach’s contract with the GFA ended at the end of February 2017 and both agreed it was in their mutual interest to end the relationship after his two-year stint.

Grant resumed as Ghana coach on December 1, 2014.

He led Ghana to win silver medal at the 2015 AFCON championship and semi-finals at the just concluded African Cup of Nations in Gabon.

Grant said he had met with GFA president Kwesi Nyantakyi and informed him that “the time is right for me to move on to a new challenge.”

While he was unable to end Ghana’s long wait for a fifth title, Grant has once again made them contenders.

When he took the role in November 2014, Ghana were still reeling from a turbulent World Cup campaign in Brazil, where they failed to win a single match against a backdrop of off-field issues.

“I’ve hugely enjoyed my time in Ghana taking over after the disastrous 2014 World Cup campaign and rebuilding the squad to reach the final in the African Cup of Nations for only the second time in 23 years, and also the semi-final of this year’s competition,” he said.

“And the passion and loyalty of the supporters is something I’ll always remember.”

Below is a statement released by the GFA on Abraham Grant’s future with the Black Stars.

1. The contract between the Ghana Football Association and Mr. Abraham Grant ends on 28th February, 2017

2. Both parties have agreed that the contract shall be allowed to run its full course.

3. Both parties have mutually agreed not to renew the contract upon its expiry.

4. Any accrued rights and obligations under the contract shall be observed by both parties.

5. Notwithstanding the fact that the contract shall run until the 28th February, 2017, both parties agree that the Ghana Football Association is at liberty to commence the process of searching and appointing a new coach for the Senior National Team of Ghana, the Black Stars.

6. Mr Abraham Grant is also at liberty to begin negotiations with prospective employers.