We are not under pressure to continue 2019/2020 season – GFA

The Ghana Football Association has denied reports it is being pressured by its sponsors particularly StarTimes to complete the 2019/2020 season.

Media reports last week suggested that the broadcasting right holders have cautioned the FA against truncating the season.

Startimes signed a five-year deal with FA to own the broadcasting rights of the Ghana Premier League and some products owned by the FA.

Halfway through the first year of the five-year deal, the league had to be suspended due to the coronavirus.

The FA, it is understood has held discussions with the government on the resumption of the league which has been on recess since March 15.

The seeming resolve by the FA to continue the season has led to speculations about StarTimes kicking against a termination of the season as they seek to protect their investment.

But in an interview with www.ghanaweb.com, the Communications Director of the FA, Henry Asante Twum debunked those claims, asserting that no such directive has come from the Chinese-owned firm.

He explained that like any other stakeholders, the pay-TV firm is concerned with the situation and has held discussions with the FA since the suspension but under no circumstance have they told the FA to continue the season at all cost.

“I don’t know where those reports are emanating from but what I can I say its not true. They have enquired a few times and the most recent one was a few weeks ago when I was with the General Secretary and their country manager called, wanting to know the next line of action”.

“As a business entity they also have their interest to protect and clients to satisfy. They feed on our product to make money and give us money as well so there’s always that anxiety and uncertainty and it is not good for businesses. They have been enquiring from the FA whether the season will continue or not but to say that they giving pressure is not true”.

In an interview granted to Kumasi-based Otec FM, the PRO of StarTimes also denied the claims.

“We are not ready to talk about GPL matter. We are still waiting for the government to give us the go-ahead. Those stories are false hope”, Eli Kondoh said.