Sports News of Wednesday, 22 January 2020

Source: ghanasoccernet.com

GFA hit with transparency crisis as clubs demand MTN FA Cup sponsorship value

Chairman of MTN FA Cup Committee, Wilson Arthur Chairman of MTN FA Cup Committee, Wilson Arthur

Local clubs are froth at the mouth over the lack of financial disclosure in the sponsorship of the 2019/2020 MTN FA Cup, officials have sent SOS messages to GHANAsoccernet.com.

The clubs are seething with rage over claims there has been lack of transparency in how much the telecommunication giants is pumping into the tournament.

The draw for the prestigious tournament was held last week in Accra but there has not been any clear disclosure on how much is involved in this year's competition.

The loud silence of the Wilson Arthur led FA Cup committee has sparked outrage among Ghanaian clubs, Ghana's leading football portal, GHANAsoccernet.com can report.

Techiman City president Charles Kwadwo Ntim is angry over the development and has taken a swipe at both the FA and the telecommunication powerhouse over the matter.

"Its shocking that we are still talking about transparency at this stage of our football. It's unbelievable that we cannot simply disclose how much is involved in the FA Cup," he angrily told GHANAsoccernet.com

"Equally shocking for me is how a giants company like MTN will be involved in this secrecy. They owe it a duty to tell the Ghanaian people how much they are putting in the competition.

"Why is it also so difficult for the FA to tell us how much MTN is spending in the competition.

"And we say we are running a transparent administration? It's a complete joke!

"Football has suffered over such issues over the years and the least we expect from the new leadership is to restore confidence in corporate Ghana. How do we do that when we can't just and simply disclose how much a company is spending on a competition?

"It's difficult to get our heads wrapped up against this. Is that the change we voted for? It can't be business as usual. It's the reason clubs are angry over the development. The clubs are wide awake and will not allow the status quo to remain.

"We will continue to demand for transparency and accountability from leadership."

If the claims turn out to be true, it will be massive clapback on the transparency agenda trumpeted by the current administration.

The FA Cup Committee has been coy on the development which threatens harmony between clubs and the football association.