The Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante-Twum, has disclosed that Ghana's prize money for the 2022 World Cup dropped from $9 million to $7.9 million due to outstanding debts owed to FIFA.
Asante-Twum confirmed a JoySports publication, stating that the GFA declared $7.9 million to the Ministry of Youth and Sports and its members, contrary to the initially reported $9 million.
The debt, amounting to over $800,000, encompasses various expenses, including the flight and accommodation of officials, participation of Ghana U-17 and U-20 Women's national teams in FIFA tournaments, and caution fees.
In an interview on Asempa FM, Asante-Twum explained that FIFA deducted the outstanding debts from the GFA's entitlement for placing between 17 and 32 in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The GFA also received a $25,000 credit related to 2018, which FIFA added to the World Cup prize money.
“FIFA has deducted the outstanding debts in the sum of $800,131.23 from 2016 to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, including fees for cautions, flights, accommodation, charges,” Asante-Twum clarified.
After deductions, the net balance amounted to $7,899,868.77, currently credited to the GFA's account. Asante-Twum mentioned a $300,000 loan taken by the GFA to pay the three Black Stars coaches for qualifying Ghana for the World Cup against Nigeria.
It remains unclear whether FIFA deducted this loan or if the GFA deducted it and paid the bank.
Asante-Twum assured that the GFA would publish detailed information regarding the deductions and the financial transactions in question, providing transparency on the matter.
