Prince Osei Owusu Denies Black Stars Extortion Claims as Kylian Mbappe Fights Racial Abuse

Ghanaian forward Prince Osei Owusu has officially distanced himself from viral social media allegations suggesting his exclusion from the Black Stars was due to a refusal to pay a percentage of his appearance fees to the Ghana Football Association (GFA). The rumors, which gained significant traction online, originated from a video featuring a woman claiming to be the player’s aunt. Owusu has categorically denied any association with the woman, stating he does not know her and did not authorize any communications regarding his relationship with the national governing body. The 29-year-old striker, currently in top form with CF Montréal, emphasized that the claims of financial misconduct or extortion are entirely fabricated. Sources close to the player confirm that he remains deeply committed to representing Ghana on the international stage. His recent performance in Major League Soccer underscores his value, having netted nine goals and provided six assists this season. Despite the online debate sparked by the video, the GFA has maintained its silence on the matter, while Owusu continues to focus on his professional career and potential future call-ups. In a separate development highlighting the challenges faced by top-tier athletes, French international Kylian Mbappe has publicly condemned Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla for making despicable racist remarks following a match between France and Paraguay. The senator's comments, which targeted Mbappe’s origin and education, have been labeled as utterly abhorrent by the French Football Federation (FFF). The FFF has announced its intention to file criminal charges against Amarilla, asserting that such rhetoric does not represent the spirit of football or the nation of Paraguay. These incidents involving Owusu and Mbappe underscore a turbulent period for professional footballers, who find themselves increasingly targeted by misinformation and discriminatory attacks. While Owusu battles false narratives regarding his integrity and the GFA's operations, Mbappe’s situation highlights the ongoing struggle against systemic racism in the sport. Both cases reflect a growing need for robust legal and institutional protections for players to ensure that off-field controversies do not overshadow their athletic contributions or damage the reputation of the sport globally.