Actor and football administrator Yaw Dabo has defended his decision to drop his own nephew from his football academy, insisting that family ties will never influence decisions he makes about players.

Speaking in an interview, Dabo said he believes one of the biggest problems in Ghanaian sports is the perception of “jobs for the boys,” adding that he refuses to contribute to that culture by favouring relatives who do not deserve opportunities.

According to him, his nephew’s performance during a recent friendly match convinced him that he had not done enough to justify a place in the team.

“We were all watching the match and everyone saw how abysmal he played. Should I keep selecting him simply because he is my nephew when he hasn’t proven his worth?” he questioned.

Dabo explained that his academy is run free of charge, meaning players are expected to justify the investment made in them through discipline and consistent performances.

He stressed that the academy’s biggest reward is producing talented footballers who can earn professional contracts and build the reputation of the project.

“My academy is free, so the least you can do is pull your weight. The only benefit I get from this business is producing quality players who can sell the academy through their performances,” he said.

The Kumawood actor further revealed that his nephew does not attend training regularly because of work commitments, making it difficult for him to compete fairly with players who consistently show up and earn their places.

“If he can’t play, should I keep him? What’s the point of selecting him only for him to end up on the bench?” Dabo asked.

He maintained that every player in his academy must earn selection based solely on merit, regardless of their relationship with him, insisting that discipline and fairness remain the foundation of the project.