betPawa sponsorship setback: GFA pledges to honour commitments to clubs

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is standing firm in upholding its promises to increase prize money to winners of the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League season despite the abrupt withdrawal of the title sponsorship deal with betting firm, betPawa.

At the Ordinary Congress of the FA in Kumasi last July, GFA President, Kurt Simeon-Okraku, announced a significant increase in prize money and participation fees for the league clubs with the 2023/24 league champions expected to receive GH¢500,000, representing 60 per cent increase over the GH¢300,000 paid to Medeama SC for winning the 2022/23 Premier League title.

Revenue shortfall

Despite the setback occasioned by betPawa's sudden withdrawal and the resultant expected revenue shortfall amounting to $2 million annually, the GFA General Secretary, Prosper Harrison Addo, maintains that all financial commitments made to the 18 premiership clubs would be honoured regardless of the betPawa sponsorship problem.

“Have you heard the clubs complain anywhere about funds? They are not complaining because we have met them and they know what they are getting despite the sponsorship withdrawal. There’s no need to panic. All financial commitments will be fulfilled.

“It is the GFA that pays the prize money so the betPawa sponsorship deal being cancelled will not affect it neither will it affect any financial commitments made by the FA president," Mr Addo told the Graphic Sports over concerns surrounding potential financial strains on the clubs. 

During the GFA congress, Mr Simeon-Okraku not only pledged to increased prize money but also unveiled a comprehensive financial support package for clubs. This included a GH¢50,000 allocation to establish youth teams, GH¢300,000 to support officiating fees at the regional level, among other initiatives.

Financial stability

Highlighting the financial stability of the football governing body, Mr Addo pointed to the existing contract with its broadcast partner, StarTimes, affirming that the resources from the contract would be more than sufficient to fulfil the association's financial obligations to league clubs, referees and initiatives supporting the development of women's football.

“We still have the StarTimes deal and the clubs are getting whatever percentage is due to them in that regard. So like I said earlier there is no need to worry about how the FA is going to honour promises made to clubs, referees, regional football associations or women’s football development,” he promised.