Our current National Division one league has no value - Abdul Salam Yakubu

The President of New Edubiase United, Abdul Salam Yakubu has endorsed the decision by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to begin the process to implement the 18-club Division One League.

The GFA recently issued a statement to begin the transitional process on reducing the number of participating clubs in the National Division One League from 48 clubs to 18.

The statement from the GFA read, “The Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has taken a decision to form a 5-member committee for the implementation of the transitional provision on the number of participating clubs in the National Division One League”.

“The decision to set up the advisory committee is in compliance with Article 81(6) of the GFA Statutes 2019. Article 81(6) of the GFA statutes states as follows: “The number of delegates representing the Division One League shall be reduced to 18 (down from the current 48) at the latest by the end of the second football season following the adoption of these Statues.”

The 5-member committee will be made up of three persons nominated by the Division One League Clubs and two persons from the GFA.

According to Abdul Salam Yakubu, the current structure of the National Division One League has no value and not marketable for sponsorship due to the number of clubs in the league.

“If there is no different idea attached, then it’s a good idea to have an 18-team Division One League”, he told Happy FM.

“There is no value in our current Division One League we play in this country. Media rights on the league is low. Also with the 48 clubs, it is hard for any company to come on board to sponsor. When there is sponsorship we just receive a small amount due to the size and the sheer number of teams.”

“Most clubs in the north mid-way in the season dropped out and even dissolve their teams due to financial problems.

If the division is more attractive, it will get a good value and we will be able to get sponsorship. For the good of the game it’s a good decision”, he added.

Currently, the National Division One League has been grouped into three zones with teams from the Northern and Southern sector.