GFA’s $14.18 Million World Cup Budget Sparks Controversy Over Per Diems and Fees
Debate is heating up following the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) recently disclosed budget for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which totals an eye-watering $14.18 million.
This revelation comes on the heels of President John Dramani Mahama’s State of the Nation Address, where he called for increased transparency in the budgeting process for the Black Stars.
The budget documents, submitted by the GFA to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, outline significant expenditures, including a 28-day per diem allocation amounting to $408,800.
This breakdown reveals that:
– Players (26 members): $150 per day for 28 days, totaling $109,200
– Technical Team (22 members): $150 per day for 28 days, amounting to $92,400
– Officials (37 members): $200 per day for 28 days, reaching $207,200
In addition to these per diems, each of the 54 individuals who traveled with the team—including players, technical staff, and officials—received a whopping $100,000 appearance fee, contributing to a staggering total of $5.4 million in appearance fees alone.
However, the budget has raised eyebrows, particularly regarding the $300,000 allocated for a charter flight to Qatar.
Critics have pointed out that this expense seems unjustifiable, as several Black Stars players were already present for pre-tournament training, leading to questions about the accuracy and necessity of this charge.
Further scrutiny has been directed at the honorariums paid to various officials, which include:
– Head of Delegation: $20,000
– General Secretary: $15,000
– Administrator: $15,000
– COVID Officer: $20,000
– National Teams Department Representative: $10,000.
These financial disclosures have intensified concerns regarding the GFA’s accountability and management practices.
The combination of substantial per diems, hefty appearance fees, and questionable travel expenses has sparked a broader conversation about the GFA’s financial integrity, especially in the wake of President Mahama’s call for transparency.
As the Black Stars prepare for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, these budgetary issues may not only affect public perception but could also impact the team’s morale and focus moving forward.
The GFA will need to address these concerns transparently to regain the trust and support of the Ghanaian public ahead of their crucial matches.
