GFA reports 4 betting companies in bid to stop unauthorized betting on GPL matches

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially reported four betting companies to the Gaming Commission of Ghana in an effort to curb unauthorized betting on Ghana Premier League (GPL) matches.

The betting platforms involved—Soccabet, Sportybet, Football.com, and ilotbet—are accused of offering odds on GFA-sanctioned matches without the necessary approval.

The GFA in a statement said it had requested the Gaming Commission's urgent assistance in investigating these companies and ensuring they cease all unauthorized betting activities related to its matches. The Football Association stressed that the unauthorized use of its match data for betting purposes infringes on its legal rights and violates its regulations.

The Gaming Commission, which is responsible for issuing licenses to gaming operators, will oversee the investigation. It also regulates any companies running promotions that involve games of chance.

The GFA has a strict policy against unauthorized betting on football matches, viewing such activities as a threat to the integrity of the sport and damaging to its reputation. This move follows a stern warning issued by GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku during the 30th Ordinary Congress held at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram.

"We have not licensed any betting company to take odds on our games," President Simeon-Okraku stated at the event on August 27, 2024. He warned that the GFA's legal team would soon take action against betting companies that continue to offer odds on GPL matches without permission.

The GFA president added that while the association is open to partnerships with betting companies, any collaboration must comply with the required regulations.