Accra, April 14, GNA - Promasidor Ghana Limited, producers of Cowbell milk products has unveiled a sponsorship package worth 335 million cedis for the 145 premier league referees for two football seasons.
The package, which starts with the 2004 Soccer season, includes three sets of jerseys in three different colours with the logos of the company embossed on the sleeves of the shirts and in front of the shorts per referee.
The company will also bear the cost of a two-day seminar for the referees before the start of the season and pay one third of their officiating fees.
Other incentives such as presenting of awards to outstanding referees and other motivational packages are expected to shoot the package to 400 million cedis by the end of the season.
Nii Adotey Mingle, Sales and Marketing Manager of the company who unveiled the package in Accra on Wednesday said the decision to sponsor the referees is to promote efficient officiating of matches and the development of football in the country.
He emphasised the importance of refereeing in the development of the global leather whilst lamenting on the societal neglect on the fact. Nii Mingle said Cowbell recognised the importance of referees in the progress and development of football, adding that they have the ability to enhance the image of the game or mar it if they are not properly motivated.
The Sales and Marketing Manager said, "It is in this direction that our company wants to ensure that referees are given the necessary encouragement to give out their best".
Mr Ben Koufie, Outgoing Chairman of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) expressed his joy at the sponsorship deal even though, he said it is coming at a time that he is leaving office.
"We have toiled for a long time for sponsorship to promote football in the country and now that they have started coming, I am very glad that I can turn my back one day and say I have realised my dreams" he stressed.
company to make the "marriage" a lasting and mutual one, adding that it is his hope that there be an increment in the package by Cowbell in the nearest future.
