Prosper Harrison Addo, the General Secretary of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has offered assurance that despite the abrupt withdrawal of the title sponsor betPawa, the GFA remains steadfast in meeting its financial commitments to the clubs.
This pledge follows the termination of a three-year, $6 million deal with the online betting firm in November.
Last July, at the Ordinary Congress of the FA in Kumasi, Kurt Okraku unveiled a substantial increase in prize money and participation fees for league clubs. The 2023/24 league champions were anticipated to receive GH¢500,000. Despite the setback caused by betPawa’s withdrawal, Harrison Addo affirms that all financial promises made to the 18 Premiership clubs will be upheld.
“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,” reassures Harrison Addo, addressing concerns over potential financial strains on the clubs.
Emphasizing the GFA’s pivotal role in prize money distribution, he states, “It is the GFA that pays the prize money, so the betPawa sponsorship deal being canceled will not affect it, neither will it affect any financial commitments made by the FA president.” Harrison Addo’s words aim to quell anxieties about the continuity of financial support to the clubs.
Harrison Addo highlights the significance of the existing contract with broadcast partner StarTimes, asserting that the revenue generated from this collaboration will sufficiently cover the GFA’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 honor promises made to clubs, referees, regional football associations, or women’s football development,” he affirms, ensuring the football community that despite the sponsorship setback, financial commitments will be met through alternative avenues.
