Joseph Paintsil has clarified his absence from Ghana’s squad for international friendlies against Nigeria and Uganda this month.
The LA Galaxy forward, conspicuously missing from the squad announcement on Saturday, attributed his exclusion to immigration issues.
His omission from the squad had sparked curiosity, particularly given his previous criticism of Otto Addo’s decision to leave him out of the 2022 World Cup squad.
Paintsil expressed his discontent, stating, “His [Otto Addo’s] decision was unfair. He gave me no valid reason to explain my absence. I told him the same thing during a phone conversation,” as reported by Belang van Limburg in December 2022.
Paintsil after the World Cup established himself as a regular under Chris Hughton and was included in the squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Therefore, his absence from the squad since Hughton’s departure and Addo’s reappointment aroused suspicion.
But Paintsil has dispelled any rumours. He explained that he is currently going through additional documentation procedures, which prevent him from travelling outside the US until the process is complete.
“As a result of my very recent move to a new club in the United States, there are some further immigration documentation procedures I have to go through, which is why I am unable to travel outside the United States until the process is completed,” Paintsil stated.
The player expressed his disappointment at being unable to join the squad for the friendly games but emphasised his commitment to representing Ghana.
“I have duly communicated the reasons for my absence from the national team to management. I wish the new head coach Otto Addo, my colleagues, and the entire team the best in this upcoming hurdle.”
“Ghana holds a special place in my heart, and I am always ready to defend and represent the country,” he concluded.
Unable to Join the Ghana Squad
As a result of my very recent move to a new club in the United States, there are some further immigration documentation procedures I have to go through, which is why I am unable to travel outside the United States until the process is completed.… pic.twitter.com/6OAiHAsuMs
— Joseph Paintsil (@josephpaintsil_) March 17, 2024
Paintsil has been in good form since his move to the MLS, scoring two goals and assisting once. His absence will be felt when Ghana takes on Nigeria on March 22 and Uganda four days later, all games taking place in Morocco.