Carlos Queiroz reportedly resigned as Ghana head coach after raising a series of concerns over the working conditions surrounding the Black Stars, including training arrangements, his delayed arrival in Ghana, player selection and the composition of his backroom staff. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) officially announced on October 1 that it had mutually agreed with the Portuguese coach to terminate his contract, following discussions between both parties.
However, reports emerging from Ghana indicate that Queiroz had submitted his resignation on September 30, a day after Ghana’s 4-2 defeat to The Gambia in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Accra. The Portuguese coach is understood to have raised several issues during discussions with football authorities before his departure.
Training Venue Concern
One of Queiroz’s reported complaints centered on the team’s training arrangements ahead of the crucial qualifier. He was reportedly unhappy that the Black Stars were preparing for the match at the Accra Sports Stadium, the same venue scheduled to host the game against The Gambia. Ghana held its official training session at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 28, one day before the qualifier.
Queiroz was said to have expected the team to train at a separate facility as part of preparations for the match. The Black Stars eventually surrendered a two-goal lead to suffer a 4-2 defeat against The Gambia at the same venue.
Frustration Over Delayed Arrival
Queiroz also reportedly expressed concerns over his late arrival in Ghana ahead of the September international window. He was said to have expected to arrive approximately 10 days before the match to oversee preparations, but instead reached Ghana only a few days before the fixture.
The delay was reportedly linked to arrangements surrounding his flight ticket. The timing became particularly significant because Ghana had limited preparation time for the two AFCON qualifying matches.
Queiroz himself had acknowledged the challenge before the Gambia fixture, stressing that the players had very little time together and that there was limited opportunity to make major changes.
Questions Over Player Selection
Another reported source of frustration was the presence of players in camp whom Queiroz allegedly had not expected or personally approved. The Portuguese coach had placed considerable emphasis on scouting and player monitoring during his time with the Black Stars. The GFA previously disclosed that Queiroz and his technical team had monitored 170 matches, produced 200 video reports and followed 75 players as part of their preparation.
However, reports suggest that Queiroz became concerned that some players were brought into the national-team setup without his direct approval.
Dispute Over Backroom Staff
Queiroz was also reportedly unhappy with restrictions placed on his preferred backroom staff. He had sought to bring in members of his own technical team, including personnel covering areas such as medical support, nutrition and team management.
Reports indicate that only his preferred nutritionist received approval, while other members of his intended backroom structure were not cleared by the Ghanaian football authorities. The issue reportedly contributed to concerns about the extent of control Queiroz had over his technical setup.
Queiroz’s Own Explanation
While the specific grievances have largely emerged through reports from Ghana, Queiroz’s own statement following his departure provides important context.
After the GFA confirmed the termination, the Portuguese coach said the decision followed a conclusion that the “necessary conditions” for the continuation of the partnership had not been fully established. He thanked the GFA, his technical staff and the Black Stars players, while urging Ghanaians to continue supporting the national team.
Queiroz’s resignation came after Ghana suffered consecutive defeats at the beginning of their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign. The Black Stars lost 2-0 to Côte d’Ivoire before suffering the 4-2 home defeat to The Gambia. The defeat in Accra proved to be Queiroz’s final match in charge.