The National Sports Authority (NSA) has denied authorising the collection of about US$623,000 or facilitating visas for Ghanaians seeking to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The denial follows allegations that individuals linked to the Authority collected money from prospective travellers on promises of helping them secure visas to the United States and Canada.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 15, the NSA said it had neither established nor authorised an office at the stadium to collect money or facilitate visa applications.

“The Authority has not engaged in, sanctioned or authorised any visa-related activities of the kind alleged in the publication,” it said.

The NSA also clarified its relationship with TRIBE FEST, describing the organisation as a FIFA-licensed partner involved in fan-experience activities, World Cup viewing events and mobilisation in collaboration with the NSA, the Ghana Tourism Authority and other stakeholders.

It stressed that the partnership did not authorise TRIBE FEST, any NSA employee or another person to collect money for visa procurement on behalf of the Authority.

The NSA said it was aware of reports that a petition dated September 8 had been submitted to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service over alleged World Cup visa transactions involving the NSA and TRIBE FEST. However, it said it had not received formal notification of the petition’s full details.

“The NSA takes the allegations seriously and will cooperate fully with the Ghana Police Service in any lawful investigation,” the Authority said.

It added that the Director-General, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, and other officials would make themselves available and provide necessary assistance if invited by the police.

The Authority further said any employee, official or third party found to have engaged in wrongdoing should face the law if credible evidence establishes the allegations. It also urged the public and media not to treat unverified claims as established facts while investigations are pending.