“We can’t have our Premier League shown free without the clubs earning anything, I’m ready to help the GFA” – George Afriyie
George Afriyie has expressed commitment to ensuring that the Ghanaian Premier League (GPL) and its affiliated clubs earn their rightful share from broadcasting deals. In his view, it is unacceptable for the league to be shown for free while the clubs, which are the backbone of the competition, fail to benefit financially.
Afriyie’s point is simple but profound: if the Premier League is shown on television, it should generate revenue that helps sustain and develop the clubs. At a time when football clubs globally are increasingly relying on broadcasting rights to fund operations, player development, and infrastructure, Ghanaian clubs should not be left behind.
The power of broadcast revenue in modern football cannot be overstated. Across Europe and beyond, top-tier leagues depend on broadcasting deals for a significant portion of their earnings. The English Premier League, for instance, brings in billions of pounds from TV deals that are shared across its clubs. This money is used to fund everything from player wages to grassroots development programs.
In Ghana, however, the situation is starkly different. The GPL, despite its passion, talent, and potential, has not yet fully capitalized on broadcast rights to the same extent as leagues in other countries. The issue of whether games should be shown for free or at least have a fair share of revenue returned to the clubs remains a point of contention.
Afriyie emphasizes that this needs to change. He believes that with the right negotiation and support from key stakeholders, the GFA can secure better deals for Ghanaian clubs.
Afriyie’s involvement in the debate comes from his deep experience in Ghanaian football, having served as the Vice President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and a former president of the Ghana Football Clubs Association. His commitment to improving the financial standing of clubs is evident, and he is eager to support the GFA in this mission.
The push for a more financially viable GPL is not just about immediate profits. Afriyie envisions a future where Ghana’s top-flight football can become a sustainable, professional, and attractive product for both fans and investors. A league with better funding can attract higher-caliber players, improve facilities, and create a more competitive environment that raises the standard of football in the country.
George Afriyie’s plea for better compensation for clubs in the Ghanaian Premier League is a timely and necessary call to action. As football continues to evolve into a global business, it is essential that clubs are not left to bear the financial burden of competition without the necessary returns. Afriyie’s readiness to help the GFA achieve these goals speaks to his dedication to the future of Ghanaian.
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