StarTimes Owes GFA $950,000 in Unpaid Broadcasting Rights – Kurt Okraku Confirms
StarTimes Owes GFA $950,000 in Unpaid Ghana Premier League Broadcasting Fees
In a significant revelation, Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has confirmed that Chinese broadcasting giant StarTimes owes the GFA $950,000 in unpaid broadcasting rights for the Ghana Premier League (GPL) . The disclosure has intensified debates over financial transparency and contractual accountability in Ghanaian football.
Key Details: GFA President Confirms StarTimes Debt
- Amount Owed: $950,000 (accrued over multiple seasons)
- Debtor: StarTimes (former broadcast partner of the GPL)
- Reason for Arrears: Delayed payments under the expired broadcasting rights agreement
Speaking exclusively to local media, Okraku revealed that the GFA has repeatedly urged StarTimes to settle the debt, which has severely hindered investments in league development, infrastructure, and club support. “We’ve made every effort to resolve this, but the delay in payments has left us in a difficult position,” he stated.
Impact on Ghana Premier League & Clubs
The unpaid fees have crippled the GPL’s financial ecosystem, leaving clubs reliant on media rights revenue struggling to sustain operations. Many teams face cash flow crises, affecting player salaries, facility upgrades, and competitive performance.
Fans have also expressed growing frustration over the league’s instability, with social media trending hashtags like #PayGFA and #GPLFinancialCrisis demanding accountability. Analysts warn that prolonged disputes could deter future broadcast partnerships and sponsors.
Why StarTimes’ Debt Matters for Ghana Football
- Contract Breach: The unpaid sum violates the terms of the landmark 2020 deal, initially praised for modernizing GPL coverage.
- Non-Renewal of Contract: The GFA reportedly declined to renew StarTimes’ broadcasting rights due to persistent payment delays.
- Global Reputation Risk: The dispute threatens Ghana’s credibility as a reliable partner for international sports deals.
Fan & Stakeholder Reactions
Supporters and football pundits have criticized the GFA for its handling of the crisis. Prominent sports journalist Kwame Addo noted, “This isn’t just about money—it’s about trust. Clubs and fans deserve clarity on how the GFA will recover funds and stabilize the league.”
Clubs like Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko have privately lobbied for urgent intervention, fearing relegation battles and player exodus due to financial strain.
GFA’s Next Steps: Negotiations & Resolution
Okraku emphasized that the GFA remains in active negotiations with StarTimes to resolve the arrears. However, stakeholders are calling for legal action if payments aren’t expedited.
Key Demands from Stakeholders:
- Public Financial Report: Fans demand transparency on how recovered funds will be allocated.
- New Broadcast Deal: Urgent need to secure a reliable partner for the 2024/25 season.
- Legal Recourse: Threats to pursue international arbitration if StarTimes fails to comply.
Background: The StarTimes-GFA Partnership
Signed in 2020, the 10-year deal with StarTimes was hailed as a game-changer, promising expanded TV coverage and $1 million annually to the GFA. However, recurring payment delays and administrative bottlenecks eroded confidence, culminating in the deal’s termination in 2024.
Statement from GFA President Kurt Okraku
“This situation is a stark reminder of the challenges we face in professionalizing Ghana football. While we work to recover the $950,000, our focus remains on protecting the league’s integrity and ensuring clubs receive the support they deserve.”
Call to Action: Demanding Accountability
As pressure mounts on both the GFA and StarTimes, fans and clubs are urging swift resolution. Follow #GPLDebtUpdate for breaking news, and share your thoughts on social media to amplify calls for transparency.
