Retired Ghanaian referee Thomas Nunoo has revealed that during his officiating career he was once offered a bribe by football administrator Alhaji Karim Grusah in an attempt to influence the outcome of a match, an offer he says he firmly rejected. Nunoo, who now serves as a CAF and FIFA instructor, stated that the incident occurred while he was actively refereeing matches in the Ghana Premier League, underscoring ongoing concerns about integrity and ethics in Ghanaian football officiating.
According to Nunoo, Grusah approached him with an offer intended to sway his decisions on the field. Instead of accepting the bribe, Nunoo immediately reported the matter to the then‑Premier League Board, chaired by Welbeck Abra-Appiah. “I never accepted a bribe or allowed myself to be compromised during my days of officiating,” Nunoo emphasized, highlighting his commitment to integrity and fair play in football. He also recounted that after the club lost the match, Grusah became upset, leading to public criticism and debate over refereeing standards.
Nunoo’s revelation has reignited discussions about ethical conduct and transparency in Ghanaian football, particularly as fans, players, and administrators continue to scrutinize officiating decisions in the ongoing 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season. Observers note that allegations of bribery and undue influence in football, if left unchecked, can undermine the credibility of matches and the overall reputation of the sport in the country.
The retired referee also urged current and aspiring referees to uphold ethical standards at all times. He stressed the importance of rejecting any form of undue influence, maintaining professional conduct, and reporting attempts at bribery to the appropriate authorities, including the Ghana Football Association (GFA). Nunoo advised that officials should not only refuse offers of inducement but also ensure that such incidents are documented and addressed to protect the integrity of the sport.
His comments come at a time when frustrations over inconsistent refereeing decisions continue to surface across league matches. Nunoo’s experience sheds light on the pressures that referees face from club officials, administrators, and fans, emphasizing the challenges of remaining impartial in a highly competitive sporting environment.
As a respected figure in Ghanaian football with international credentials, Nunoo’s stance carries weight within local sporting circles. By speaking openly about his personal encounter with attempted bribery, he has highlighted the need for vigilance, transparency, and stronger mechanisms to prevent corruption in football administration and officiating. His revelations serve as a reminder that ethical responsibility lies not only with referees but also with football administrators, clubs, and the governing bodies responsible for ensuring fair play.
The former referee’s statements have sparked public debate about reforms and measures to enhance accountability in Ghanaian football, reinforcing the need for clear reporting structures, education on ethics, and a culture of integrity across all levels of the sport. Nunoo’s refusal to compromise on principle demonstrates the importance of personal integrity in preserving the credibility of football and protecting the interests of players, clubs, and fans alike.
Source: Thepressradio.com
