Wilson Arthur, chairman of the Ghana FA Cup committee and owner of Division One side Skyy FC, has made a striking claim that referees in Ghanaian football are often placed under black magic or “juju” spells during matches, with clubs allegedly behind these mystical practices.
Speaking on Asempa FM on Monday, February 24, 2025, Arthur suggested that certain teams attempt to manipulate match officials and influence results through supernatural means. While there is no concrete evidence to support these claims, the use of “juju” in Ghanaian football is widely believed, creating the perception that referees may be affected when making controversial decisions.
“The league has so many matches and there is a lot of interest at stake. People must understand that it’s competition. Ways and means are part of the process to win a match. Referees are always put under a spell. The referees are worked on, the players and coaches are worked on spiritually,” Arthur stated.
He further recounted a personal experience that left him questioning the influence of such practices. “For instance, I was asked to leave my seat while watching a match because I was told my team had been put under a spell. The moment I left my seat, we scored a goal. Personally, I don’t believe these things, but there are weird things in football.”
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) and other sports authorities continue to advocate for professionalism and fairness in the game, striving to eliminate superstitious beliefs from influencing football. Although stories about “juju” often emerge after defeats or unexpected results, they remain unproven and are largely considered part of Ghanaian football folklore.
