Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kurt Okraku, has revealed that the GFA spends approximately 7.5 million cedis each year on officiating costs alone.

Speaking in an interview with Asempa FM this morning, Okraku explained that the Association currently absorbs all officiating expenses that clubs would ordinarily be responsible for.

He further noted that the FA’s recent challenges with timely payments to referees stem from StarTimes pulling out of their sponsorship deal, which has affected the Association’s cash flow.

However, he emphasised that the GFA maintains a good working relationship with all registered referees and match commissioners.

President, Kurt Okraku, during the presentation of pick-ups to regional FA’s

GFA President Kurt Okraku has shed light on the financial strain the Ghana Football Association is currently facing, particularly when it comes to paying referees.

“Last year around this time, we had fully paid all our referees,” he stated. “But now we are facing non-payment issues due to the StarTimes situation, which has negatively impacted our cash flow. That said, we have a solid working relationship with our referees and match commissioners.”

Okraku further explained that many people are unaware of the extent of the GFA’s financial responsibilities, especially with officiating.

“I think many people are unaware of the quantum of money the FA spends on match officials. In a year, the GFA spends 7.5 million cedis solely on officiating. This means the FA has taken over what clubs would have otherwise paid.” he noted.

of the Ghana Football Association Kurt Edwin Simeon Okraku attends the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group H match between Korea Republic and Ghana (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)

While acknowledging the debt owed to referees, he assured that the FA is actively working to settle all arrears before the end of the season.

I know we owe them, but we are doing everything possible to resolve the situation in due time,” he stated. “This weekend, all referees will be at post, officiating matches as usual. The FA is committed to clearing all outstanding payments.