Carlos Queiroz has released an emotional farewell statement after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract as head coach of Ghana’s senior national football team, the Black Stars, following a disappointing run of results in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) confirmed on Thursday, October 1, that it had reached a mutual agreement with the Portuguese tactician to end his service agreement after discussions conducted in a spirit of mutual respect.
The decision comes just two days after Ghana suffered a painful 4-2 home defeat to Gambia in their 2027 AFCON qualifying encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium. The Black Stars squandered a two-goal advantage, compounding their difficult start to the qualification campaign.
Ghana had earlier suffered a 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire, leaving the team at the bottom of Group C after two consecutive losses.
Queiroz, 73, who was reappointed as Ghana’s head coach on September 2 after reportedly leading the Black Stars to the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, described his departure as a difficult but necessary decision.
In an emotional statement published on the GFA’s official website, the former Real Madrid manager confirmed that both parties had agreed to end their professional relationship in the interest of Ghanaian football.
“Following discussions held in a spirit of mutual respect, the Ghana Football Association and I have mutually agreed to terminate the Service Agreement governing my role as Head Coach of the Ghana National Team, the Black Stars.
“This was not an easy decision, but both parties agreed that, under the present circumstances, ending our professional relationship was the most appropriate course of action, with the interests of Ghana, the Black Stars and Ghanaian football above everything else,” he stated.
The former Manchester United assistant coach also expressed gratitude to the Ghana Football Association and its President for giving him the opportunity to lead the national team.
Queiroz explained that he arrived in Ghana with the ambition of building a stronger future for the Black Stars and contributing to the development of the country’s football talent. However, he acknowledged that certain conditions required to achieve those objectives were not fully established.
“I came to Ghana determined to help build a stronger future for the Black Stars and support the development of the country’s talent. Despite our commitment and efforts, the necessary conditions were not fully established; this, together with our recent performances, brought us to the decision to end this journey. I leave with respect, gratitude and pride,” he added.
The experienced tactician also paid tribute to his technical team and the Black Stars players, recognising their commitment and efforts throughout his tenure.
He urged Ghanaians to continue supporting the players despite the team’s disappointing results, insisting that the squad possesses the talent and potential to achieve success with the right environment and collective backing.
“Above all, I pay tribute to the players of the Black Stars. Thank you to all of them who represented Ghana with courage, commitment and pride. You fought for your country and carried the hopes of millions. Believe in these players. Protect them. Support them,” Queiroz said.
He further expressed confidence in the team’s future, stressing that unity, encouragement and the right conditions could help the current generation achieve significant success for Ghana.
“To the Ghanaian people and all Black Stars supporters, thank you for your passion, support and warmth. I will always carry Ghana with me, with respect and affection,” he concluded.
Queiroz departs Ghana with a record of one victory, two draws and four defeats in seven matches, a run that saw the Black Stars struggle to maintain consistency.
His departure leaves the Ghana Football Association with the immediate task of appointing an interim manager to guide the national team through its upcoming 2027 AFCON qualifying fixtures.
The GFA is expected to announce an interim head coach ahead of Ghana’s back-to-back qualifying matches against Somalia in November.
The Black Stars will now look to regroup and revive their qualification campaign as the Ghana Football Association considers its next steps in appointing a permanent successor to Queiroz.