Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Simeon-Okraku has called on Parliament’s Sports Committee to support efforts to review and repeal the restriction on alcoholic beverage sponsorship of local leagues and sporting events.

He believes allowing responsible alcohol-related sponsorship under an appropriate regulatory framework could create additional funding opportunities for Ghanaian football and other sporting activities.

Okraku’s position comes amid ongoing discussions about the financial challenges facing local football, including the need for stronger corporate sponsorship and sustainable funding for clubs and competitions.

The issue has also featured in parliamentary discussions. A report by Parliament’s Sports Committee has acknowledged that restrictions on alcohol advertising during sporting events have affected sponsorship opportunities and recommended a review of the existing rules.

Okraku insists coaches must control player selection

The GFA President has also addressed concerns about the influence of football administrators in selecting players for Ghana’s national teams.

Okraku maintains that the association does not select players on behalf of its coaches. He insists that coaches must have the authority to make technical decisions, including choosing the players they believe are suitable for their teams.

His comments reflect his earlier position before Parliament’s Select Committee on Youth, Sports and Tourism in September 2024, when he said he would not accept a coach expecting him to select players for the national team.

He argued that player selection should remain the responsibility of the technical team rather than GFA executives.

Okraku has also described Carlos Queiroz as a coach who cannot be pushed around, reinforcing his position that the Portuguese tactician should be allowed to exercise his professional judgement.

Okraku reveals 13 months of unpaid salary for Björkegren

In another revelation, Okraku has disclosed that Kim Lars Björkegren, head coach of the Black Queens and acting coach of the Black Stars, has not received his salary for 13 months.

The disclosure raises questions about the financial and administrative arrangements surrounding the employment of national-team technical personnel.

Björkegren was appointed to lead an interim Black Stars technical team for Ghana’s November 2026 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Somalia.

His appointment followed consultations between the GFA and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation.

The reported salary arrears also bring attention to the need for clear contractual arrangements and timely payments for coaches working with Ghana’s national teams.

Okraku’s comments highlight three important issues facing Ghanaian football: the search for sustainable funding, the independence of technical teams and the financial commitments required to support national-team coaches.

How these issues are addressed could have implications for the development and administration of football in the country.

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SOURCE:Ghana News Page