Retired Ghanaian referee Thomas Nunoo has revealed that he once rejected a bribe attempt from prominent football administrator Alhaji Karim Grusah during his active officiating career.
Speaking in an interview with Asempa FM, Nunoo—who now serves as a CAF and FIFA instructor—disclosed that the incident occurred ahead of a Ghana Premier League match, when an attempt was allegedly made to influence his decisions.
Nunoo stated that he immediately reported the matter to the Premier League Board, which at the time was chaired by Welbeck Abra-Appiah, insisting that integrity was non-negotiable throughout his refereeing career.
“During my days of officiating games, I never accepted a bribe or allowed myself to be compromised,” Nunoo said.
He went on to recount the incident in detail.
“The only person who tried to influence me by bribing me was Alhaji Grusah, but I reported him to the Premier League Board, which was chaired by Welbeck Abra-Appiah. Alhaji Grusah got angry because his club eventually lost the game, and we later argued about it on radio,” he added.
Nunoo used the opportunity to advise active referees to remain firm and professional, urging them to report any attempt by club officials or administrators to sway match outcomes.
“I will urge all referees to be firm and not accept any bribe or compromise from anyone,” he said.
“You can take whatever an administrator wants to offer, but you must go ahead and report it to the Football Association.”
The revelation comes at a time when refereeing standards have come under intense scrutiny in the ongoing 2025/26 Ghana Premier League, with several stakeholders raising concerns over inconsistency and decision-making by match officials.
