The coronavirus pandemic has plunged a lot of Ghanaian clubs into financial crisis due to the suspension of football activities in the country. The lack of football means these clubs are unable to make money from the gate proceeds that they usually rely on for the running of the operations.
The 2019/20 Ghana Premier League season was suspended in March due to the outbreak of the deadly disease in the country. So for, Ghana has recorded over 2,000 cases of Covid-19, with 18 death and 229 recoveries as of May 2, 2020.
Like many sectors of the economy worldwide, the pandemic has affected jobs and livelihoods, With Ghanaian clubs not spared from the economic hardships.
This has led to clubs lobbying the Ghana Football Association and the government to come to the aid of the clubs.
Some club administrators are already demanding a share of GFA’s stimulus package yet to come from FIFA whilst there has been a petition to government to consider bailing out football clubs through the Covid-19 relief fund.
The GFA is set to receive $500,000 from FIFA as a relief package due to the coronavirus pandemic which according to the FA Spokesperson, Henry Asante Twum, the monies will be used for operational purposes.
“The Ghana Football Association is yet to receive the $500,000 from FIFA. The money will be used to cover operational costs at the Football Association and I can state categorically that the money FIFA is bringing is not for clubs, he told Accra-based radio station Asempa FM.
“But if the Association in it’s power decides to use some the money to support clubs then fine but ordinarily, the money is meant for the Football Association,” he added.
Some football administrators and club owners have opened up on the adverse effects of the Covid-19.
Fred Pappoe- Accra Great Olympics
“The Covid-19 has affected all sectors of the economy and not only football. In our social life it has even destabilized us. The truth is that it will be difficult to pay salaries in full”.
Albert Commey- Techiman Eleven Wonders
We are not considering pay cuts at Eleven Wonders and we are doing everything possible to pay salaries of players. Our traditional ways of making monies has halted that is our gate proceeds and even some sponsors are writing to clubs to suspend their sponsorships. If the Covid-19 pandemic drags on it will really affect clubs
Nana Kwasi Darlington- Bechem United
The GFA president Kurt Okraku and his Executive Council must demonstrate to we the clubs that they really think about us by extending financial support in this difficult times. I will advise them to use part of the FIFA stimulus package to support clubs in the country.
Charles Kwadwo Ntim- Techiman Eleven Wonders
Where the clubs are lying now is at the emergency ward. The GFA must find money for the clubs. If they are expecting money from FIFA to be given to the clubs then they should give out what they will receive first from FIFA or loan some money from government from the Covid-19 stimulus fund.
The future of the 2019/20 football season will be announced this week after the GFA’s consultation with the various stakeholders.
By Herbert Boakye Yiadom/ follow on twitter @herbertgh/ghanasoccernet