Some clubs have not been able to pay their players since January – Chibsah

The Head of Player Relations of the Professional Footballer’s Association of Ghana (PFAG), Yusif Alhassan Chibsah says the Association has noted with concern the inability of some clubs in the Ghana Premier League to pay their players amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking to Graphic Sports Online, Yusif Alhassan Chibsah said the PFAG has been meeting to try and find some financial reliefs of players of such clubs, especially because of the uncertainty the surrounds the return date of the Ghana League.

Many Ghanaian football clubs, including big and established once like Hearts and Kotoko have had their finances badly hit following the suspension of the Ghana League and the ban on social gathering instituted by the President.

While the decision to suspend the Ghana League was in March, Yusif Alhassan Chibsah says there were indications that most clubs were already struggling to meet their salary obligations to the players.

“From our records, we have noticed that some clubs have not been able to pay their players since January. We have identified the clubs and the players involved, and since they [affected players] have families to cater for, as well as other commitments, it becomes difficult for such players to cope with the crises, especially as prices of goods and services are escalating each day of the lockdown,” Yusif Alhassan Chibsah, Head of Player Relations of PFAG, told Graphic Sports Online.

Expressing concern about the suspension of the league and its social implications for the main actors, Mr Chibsah said even though none of the identified players had made a direct appeal to the PFAG for financial support, the organisation had been monitoring their situation since January.
“So we know what they are going through and what their needs are. That explains why we are putting things together to address their challenges as soon as possible.”

He neither named the affected players nor disclosed the nature of support the PFAG intended to offer the players, but gave an assurance that the situation was under control and the intended beneficiaries would soon enjoy some support from their welfare body.