FEATURE: Asante Kotoko v GFA media rights brouhaha

 

42.OWNERSHIP, COMMERCIAL, & MEDIA RIGHTS OF THE LEAGUE 

 

(5) Clubs may apply to film matches in which they are involved and shall proceed to film same, provided it is cleared by the GFA on payment of the appropriate fee determined by the GFA. Video films shall be used for the clubs’ education purposes only. Clubs are prohibited from being used for commercial purposes, without GFA’s approval.

 

Ghana's 1992 Constitution gives freedom of association, such that even if an individual enters into an agreement with another party which violates it, that agreement shall be deemed null and void. 

 

Therefore, the Executive Council and the General Secretary of the GFA for that matter, cannot enter into an agreement with a broadcast partner that seeks to set aside what's clearly enshrined in the Ghana Premier League regulations (2019).

 

The GFA must take immediate steps to advise Startimes to back off or rearrange the said contract. 

 

The GFA must stay committed to its own statutes, use entreaties and appeal reasonably to its shareholders.

 

A level-headed and flexible approach will serve the industry better than operating without due consultation.

 

Clubs are already bleeding financially for agreeing to play the league without sponsorship. That being the case, attempts should not be made to sabotage the little income derived from sponsorship/partnerships or player sales.

 

I implore the GFA to take a sober tone and desist from using the Disciplinary Committee to threaten clubs into submission. That's not right and is completely UNACCEPTABLE!

 

The $15,000 USD media rights share paid in bits (installments) by Startimes can't even attempt to let clubs meet club licensing regulations, so that should not be an impediment in the way of the clubs. Rather, let's all try to be fair to one another. 

 

At the same time, half a loaf is better than none...We must engage to make it a win win situation... A belligerent and confrontational posture between the GFA and clubs will drive away potential sponsors.

 

The earlier the GFA engages the clubs and changes their approach, the better for our game.

 

Kotoko, on the other hand, have to be patient and resolve issues with the GFA since after the payment of the requisite fees, they were obliged to obtain an approval letter from the GFA to give them the right to film their matches.

 

It is prudent and proper that per the regulations you first get approval upon payment before a club proceeds to cover its matches.

 

That way, there will be a mutual understanding among all parties involved, devoid of rancour.

 

Let's build Ghana football together as one.