Could GPL Players walk out of contracts for overdue salaries, as far as FIFA advised? — Sir Joe Laka

Recent developments in Ghana’s football landscape have raised questions about player welfare, particularly regarding unpaid salaries. Mr. Kwabena Gyamfi (Sir Joe Laka), host of Kessben Sports’ Midfield Action, poses a critical question.

The Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) new partnership deal with Adesa Productions has sparked concerns about player welfare, with many wondering if the partnership will truly benefit players. Building on this concern, Ex-Ghanaian international, Yussif Alhassan Chibsah, Head of Player Relations for Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG), commended the GFA but highlighted concerns about player welfare.

“From the PFAG’s perspective, we would prefer that attention is shifted to player welfare,” Chibsah stated. “We propose that a component of the Gh¢1m allocated to clubs be kept in an account at the FA and paid directly to players monthly.” He cited outstanding payments of player salaries running into a couple of months in the past years.

Furthermore, he added, “This will also go a far way in maintaining players or minimizing the rate at which our players accept offers from other countries.”

Following concerns raised by PFAG, Sir Joe Laka shared a passionate view on the plight of GPL players, noting that their lives are solely contingent on meagre salaries and bonuses, yet outstanding salaries can run into several months without garnering attention.

In light of this, he advised club owners to prioritize player welfare and desist from habitual salary delays, despite having the liberty to manage clubs at their discretion.

The ace media personality revealed that GPL players could consider walking out of their contracts when clubs refuse to honour commitments, citing FIFA’s free agent status provision for such situations.

According to FIFA regulations, Article 14bis of FIFA’s Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, a player may terminate a contract over overdue payments if the club is more than two months late with salaries, provided the player gives the club a 15-day window to pay the outstanding wages.

He further called on club owners, CEOs and organizers of the league to up their game since such managerial practices go a long way to mar Ghana’s first tier league, given the reputation Ghana seems to enjoy in football across the continent.

However, Mr. Dennis Akorsah (Andy Kerm) expressed concerns about potential victimization, highlighting the need for careful consideration.

Given the complexity of these issues, a multifaceted solution is needed. The Ghana Premier League must prioritize player welfare to ensure a sustainable future. By prioritizing fair compensation and commitment, Ghanaian football can promote a more sustainable and equitable environment.

Ultimately, stakeholders must work together to address these challenges and ensure a brighter future for Ghanaian football.

In conclusion, prioritizing player welfare is crucial for the long-term success and sustainability of Ghanaian football, and stakeholders must work together to achieve this goal.

Source: Kessben Sports Desk