Ex-Footballer Michael Boateng Sentenced to 14 Years for Serious Offences

• Michael Boateng was a budding footballer who was tipped to reach greater levels in European football
• The career of the English-born Ghanaian footballer came to an end in 2014 after he was jailed for his involvement in a match-fixing scandal
• Police found illegal substances in Michael Boateng's home after CCTV footage showed him placing the prohibited item there

Former professional footballer Michael Boateng, a former youth player at Crystal Palace, has been handed a 14-year prison sentence in the United Kingdom after being found guilty of multiple offences relating to prohibited substances.

Boateng’s conviction stems from his involvement in a significant operation, which included large quantities of dangerous substances.

This case marks a shocking downfall for the 34-year-old, who had transitioned to a career as a personal trainer after his football days.

According to the BBC, in June 2014, Krishna Ganeshan, Chann Sankaran, and Michael Boateng were found guilty of conspiring to commit bribery.

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Boateng’s latest arrest took place earlier this year, during a raid by law enforcement in Croydon, south London. During the search of his home, police uncovered an alarming 19.7kg of crystal methamphetamine, hidden in a sports bag.

According to the Sun, the items found at his property had a potential street value running into millions of pounds, further implicating him in a high-stakes criminal operation.

The arrest occurred on Valentine’s Day 2024, and the police discovered the illicit substance in a flat shared by Boateng, his girlfriend, and their infant son.

According to the source, CCTV footage later showed Boateng dumping the bag containing the illegal items a week before the raid.

Michael Boateng jailed for 14 years

At Croydon Crown Court, the prosecution highlighted Boateng's significant role within an organised crime syndicate. The court established that Boateng played a key part in facilitating the trade of illegal substances.

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While the defence suggested that the English-born Ghanaian, Boateng, might have been coerced or intimidated into his actions, the judge made it clear that his role was substantial and not one of mere involvement by chance.

Judge Daniel Flahive stressed the seriousness of the offence, noting that Boateng was fully aware of the operation and held a trusted position within the organisation.

Following the court's verdict, Michael Boateng was sentenced to 14 years in prison for his involvement in the serious crime. According to the Sun, Judge Flahive acknowledged that Boateng’s involvement was not a minor one.

He cited the vast quantity of the illegal substance involved and the fact that the offence was committed while Boateng was already out on bail for earlier charges. He also warned that upon release, Boateng would be subject to strict conditions under his parole.

Michael Boateng's football career

According to Transfermarkt, Michael Boateng enjoyed a career as a professional footballer, beginning his youth career at Crystal Palace. He later played for clubs like Tonbridge Angels, Sutton United, and Newport County.

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In the end, Boateng failed to reach his full potential just like former Ghanaian goalkeeper Sammy Adjei and ex-Black Stars striker Dominic Adiyiah.

According to the BBC, after his football career ended, Michael Boateng reinvented himself as a personal trainer, working with high-profile clients, including England international Jadon Sancho.

Speaking to YEN.com.gh, Ghanaian football enthusiast Mr. Kobby John, who now resides in the United Kingdom, expressed concern about the plight of Michael Boateng.

''I was sad when I heard the news. Most of the Ghanaians here have been discussing Michael's ordeal sicne the news broke. It's such a big shame.''

Kwesi Nyantakyi launches prison football

YEN.com.gh previously covered former Ghana Football Association President Kwesi Nyantakyi's Prisons Football Project as a way to support the welfare of inmates.

The initiative, which was launched in June of this year, saw lots of former and current Ghana football players and coaches in attendance, including Emmanuel Agyemang Badu and Maxwell Konadu.

Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh