FA-StarTimes Impasse: GFA in court with StarTimes – Checkout full details
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is embroiled in a bitter dispute with Chinese broadcasting giant StarTimes over an outstanding debt related to the Ghana Premier League television rights deal. According to a recent statement by the GFA, the association officially ended all negotiations with StarTimes on the renewal of the Media Broadcast Rights agreement in March 2025.
This decision followed the expiration of the previous broadcast contract with StarTimes at the conclusion of the 2023/24 football season. The GFA had been negotiating with StarTimes on the possibility of extending the contract, and both parties could not agree on the terms to renew the contract.
The GFA has revealed that StarTimes owes the association an outstanding debt of $842,173.36, although earlier reports suggested the amount to be around $950,000. According to Kessben Sports’ Mr. Frederick Acheampong, who also doubles as a GFA ExCo member, the Association has retained legal counsel and commenced formal processes to recover the outstanding debt owed by StarTimes.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that the GFA and StarTimes are currently in court, with the GFA vehemently denying claims of a new five-year broadcast deal. GFA President Kurt Okraku has labeled StarTimes’ claims as “FALSE!!!!” and advised the public to disregard them, citing unresolved financial issues and disagreements over payment terms.
The absence of a broadcasting partner has significantly impacted both the clubs and the GFA, limiting their ability to generate sufficient revenue to support league development, infrastructure, and financial assistance for the clubs. Premier League club officials have expressed frustration over their financial challenges in managing their teams.
The GFA’s efforts to secure a new broadcasting partner are crucial to addressing these challenges, and fans and stakeholders are eagerly awaiting a resolution to the impasse. Mr. Frederick Acheampong has hinted that the GFA will announce a sponsorship deal in due time, although he did not reveal whether it is likely to be a media sponsor.
The GFA remains committed to finding a solution that will support the growth and development of the league and securing a “transparent, fair, and mutually beneficial partnership” that aligns with the interests of its clubs, the Association, and its stakeholders. The outstanding payment from StarTimes remains a significant challenge that needs to be addressed, and it remains to be seen how this will impact the Ghana Premier League’s broadcast and overall success.
Source: Kessben Sports
