GFA Reportedly Ends Partnership with Winfried Schafer as Black Stars Backroom Shake-Up Continues
- The GFA has reportedly ended its collaboration with technical advisor Winfried Schafer amid ongoing restructuring of the Black Stars’ backroom staff
- The decision follows a wider overhaul after the dismissal of Otto Addo, with further changes expected under the incoming head coach
- The Black Stars of Ghana are preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will face England, Croatia, and Panama in Group L
- A sports anchor has described Schafer’s dismissal as a step in the right direction, adding that the new Black Stars coach should be allowed to work with his own trusted coaching staff
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has reportedly parted ways with Black Stars technical advisor Winfried Schafer as restructuring of the national team’s backroom staff continues, according to reports.
Schafer was appointed in late 2024 to assist Otto Addo following Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Source: Getty Images
The German tactician's appointment had sparked renewed hope among Ghanaian football lovers, as the country aims to do well at the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
However, his departure comes shortly after Addo’s dismissal, as the FA moves to overhaul the technical setup ahead of the World Cup.
As reported by Joy Sports, many of the backroom staff might lose their jobs as the new head coach would be given the room to hire his support staff.
Further changes are expected, with the incoming head coach likely to be granted autonomy in selecting his own backroom team.
Why the entire backroom staff must be 'cleared'
Ghanaian TV presenter based in the US, Hussein Hassan, said that “sacking Schafer is a step in the right direction.
He told YEN.com.gh:
"The new Black Stars coach must be allowed to work with his own trusted technical team rather than inheriting staff imposed on him.”
“the entire backroom staff should also be relieved of their duties to allow for a complete rebuild.”
Several candidates have been linked with the vacant role, including Slaven Bilic, Paulo Bento, and Fernando Santos.
The new coach is expected to be appointed soon and will have limited time to prepare the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Black Stars have been drawn in a tough group alongside Panama, England, and Croatia with their campaign set to begin on June 17.
Queiroz set to land Black Stars job
Meanwhile, according to sports journalist Muftawu Nabila, the Portuguese has a 90 per cent chance of securing the job, with discussions pointing toward a short-term deal that would see him guide Ghana through the 2026 World Cup.
While negotiations are ongoing, key details remain unresolved, particularly around finances.
The GFA Executive Council is expected to meet on Monday, April 13, where final decisions could be made.
If confirmed, Queiroz would be managing his third different nation at the World Cup, having previously led Portugal in 2010 and Iran across three tournaments in 2014, 2018 and 2022, according to FIFA.
His record in the global competition, however, offers mixed signals. He reached the knockout stage just once, a concern for a Ghana side that has struggled to move beyond the group phase since 2010.
Recent spells have also raised questions. During his time with Oman, he recorded four wins, three draws and four defeats in 11 matches.
His stint with Qatar showed slight improvement, with five wins, one draw and four losses in 10 games, according to Transfermarkt.
Despite those numbers, Queiroz’s reputation as a tactically astute coach remains intact.
Source: Getty Images
Why Ghana won't hire a permanent coach
In a related report, YEN.com.gh stated that Ghana may not appoint a permanent coach before the 2026 World Cup.
UK-based journalist Rahman Osman explained that financial constraints and limited preparation time are discouraging top coaches from taking the job.
Source: YEN.com.gh
