We’re not paying Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz $100,000 – Kofi Adams

The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, has firmly denied widespread reports claiming that newly appointed Carlos Queiroz will earn a monthly salary of $100,000 as head coach of the Ghana national football team.

Recent speculation suggested that the Ghana Football Association had agreed to pay the Portuguese tactician the reported figure. However, the Sports Minister insists that the actual salary is significantly lower than what has been circulated in the media. He further noted that the exact financial terms will be officially disclosed once all contractual negotiations are fully concluded and signed.

Speaking in an interview with Asempa FM, Mr. Adams explained that the urgency of appointing a new coach was driven by the approaching 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and preparations. He stressed that Ghana needed a coach who could immediately take charge of the team without delay.

“We needed a coach who is ready to take the team because we know the World Cup is just around the corner. Whether local or foreign, the coach must be ready,” he stated.

The Minister further revealed that the agreement in principle with Queiroz is based on a short-term arrangement tied specifically to World Cup preparations. According to him, the contract is structured to run for a maximum of four months, covering the immediate competitive period leading up to and including the tournament, with the possibility of extension depending on performance outcomes.

“The condition we agreed was that we were going for a short-term contract, maximum four months, for the period of the World Cup, but performance will determine any further agreement,” he explained.

Mr. Adams strongly rejected the circulating salary figure, insisting it does not reflect the reality of the agreement under discussion. “We are not paying him $100,000. We are not paying him up to that amount at all,” he emphasized, adding that negotiations are still ongoing and subject to final approval.

Carlos Queiroz was officially unveiled last week after arriving in Ghana on Wednesday, April 22. Since his arrival, he has begun monitoring training sessions, including assessments of the Black Galaxies as part of efforts to identify potential local-based players for the senior national team.

He is expected to oversee preparations for upcoming international friendly matches against Mexico national football team and Wales national football team, as part of Ghana’s build-up to major international competitions.