By: Kwame Bediako
Ghanaian football giants, Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak have united to demand greater transparency from the Ghana Football Association (GFA) regarding revenue generated from TV rights and sponsorship deals.
In a strongly-worded joint statement, the clubs emphasized the need for prior disclosure of their televised matches before the start of each season. They argue that this measure is essential to ensure a fair distribution of income, which has become a contentious issue in Ghanaian football.
The statement highlighted that the GFA should provide a clear account of the total number of matches involving Kotoko and Hearts that will be televised each season.
“The GFA should disclose to Kotoko and Hearts of Oak before the commencement of each football season, the total number of our matches that will be televised to ensure that a fair percentage of the revenue from sponsorship and TV rights deals is determined and duly paid to us,” the clubs asserted.
As the most commercially valuable clubs in Ghana, Kotoko and Hearts attract the largest audiences for domestic football. However, they believe the financial returns from broadcast deals do not align with their market value.
The clubs expressed that without clear revenue-sharing guidelines, they risk being underpaid, which could further jeopardize their financial stability and investment in players.
“As the biggest clubs in the country, our matches are the most watched. We must have clarity on how much revenue is generated from our games and receive a fair share,” the statement emphasized.
The GFA currently manages the broadcast and sponsorship deals for the Ghana Premier League, negotiating with media partners and corporate sponsors. However, Kotoko and Hearts are advocating for a more club-centric approach that ensures equitable financial returns for those generating significant value.
The call for revenue transparency has been a long-standing issue in Ghanaian football, and with the public stance taken by Kotoko and Hearts, there is mounting pressure on the GFA to disclose detailed revenue figures.
This latest push for accountability could signify a pivotal moment for Ghanaian club football, as teams strive for greater financial independence in an increasingly commercialized landscape.
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