World Cup windfall big relief for cash-strapped Ghanaian clubs

The recent announcement of over $500,000 in rewards through the FIFA Club Benefits Programme for five Ghanaian clubs is a much-needed lifeline for these cash-strapped institutions. 

Asante Kotoko, Hearts of Oak, King Faisal, Dreams Football Club, and Steadfast Football Club will receive a portion of the $565,772.42 disbursed by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) from FIFA's contribution.

Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko, prominent teams in the Ghana Premier League (GPL), lead the recipients with massive amounts of $219,008.70, and $200,757.97 respectively. Steadfast secured $109,504.72, while Dreams and King Faisal received $18,250.72 each.

Context

To put the amounts in context, it is worth noting that the cash prize for the GPL champions, Medeama Sporting Club, was $26,000 (approximately 300,000 Ghanaian cedis) after travelling around the country to honour 34 games.

The significance of these rewards lie not only in the financial relief they offer but also in the recognition they provide to clubs for their players' involvement in the national team. 

During the disappointing World Cup campaign, Ghana's squad included two players from the GPL, Danlad Ibrahim (representing Kotoko) and Daniel Afriyie-Barnieh (representing Hearts). Moreover, King Faisal (who had Ibrahim on loan), Steadfast(who had Fatawu Issahaku on their books between 2019 and 2021), and Dreams  (who had Issahaku on loan from Steadfast) qualified for the rewards due to their players' participation in the Black Stars' qualifying matches.

The FIFA Club Benefits Programme is designed to acknowledge the contribution of football clubs during the World Cup period. It operates by allocating financial rewards to clubs based on the proceeds generated from the tournament, with distribution facilitated through member associations to clubs that made their players available for their national teams. This initiative was introduced ahead of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, and it is heartening to see the substantial increase in the amount being distributed for the Qatar 2022 edition, totalling $209 million worldwide.

Investment

For the Ghanaian clubs, these funds arrive at a critical time where dwindling gate proceeds, lack of corporate sponsorships and low cash prizes have become the order of the day. 

Many Ghana Premier League clubs heavily rely on the sale of their talented players to generate income, often resulting in a vicious yearly cycle which impacts the quality of football on offer and financial strain for club owners who bear the majority of the burden personally. Therefore, this windfall offers much-needed relief, allowing them to offset accumulated costs incurred while running the clubs over the years.

It will be encouraging to see clubs such as Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko considering the long-term benefits of investing the funds in infrastructure projects. Completing and upgrading projects such as the Pobiman training facility for Hearts and Adako Jachie for Kotoko would not only enhance the clubs' capabilities but also contribute to the development of football infrastructure in the country.

As the funds are disbursed, it is crucial for club owners and management to exercise prudence and transparency in their utilization. While the immediate financial burdens can be alleviated, a strategic approach should be adopted to ensure sustainable growth and stability within the clubs i.e. retaining star players by improving wages. This could also involve investing in youth development programs, scouting networks, coaching staff, and facilities to develop and retain talent as well as build a solid foundation for future success.

The World Cup rewards serve as a reminder of the immense potential that Ghanaian football possesses. It is an opportunity for clubs to reassess their operations, seek sustainable revenue streams, and establish strong governance structures to safeguard the financial well-being of the teams. The support from FIFA not only injects much-needed funds but also reinvigorates the hopes and aspirations of Ghanaian clubs, players and their passionate supporters.

As one Facebook user noted, the funds would have been even more significant if eleven local stars were selected in coach Otto Addo's team which in any case exited at the group stage despite an assembly of foreign-based professionals.

However, as these funds are disbursed, their appropriate usage could spark the start of a conversation of GPL stars being given a quota in national teams ahead of major international competitions as this could build a robust local football ecosystem that will continue to nurture the nation's footballing talents.