Local football investors sidelined in World Cup benefits - Ebo Appiah alleges

Ebo Appiah has criticised the distribution of benefits associated with Ghana’s participation in the World Cup, arguing that people who invest in local football are often left out while individuals with little involvement in the domestic game benefit.

Speaking in a interview with Sporty FM, he said club owners, local football administrators and traders who support the game on matchdays deserve to benefit from the opportunities that come with the global tournament.

“It is unfair that people spend money on the local game, and when it’s the World Cup, people who have nothing to do with football enjoy,” he said.

He cited the contributions of football administrators, including Nana Banyin, who he said had invested significantly in Hasaacas Ladies, as an example of people whose efforts in domestic football were not adequately rewarded during the World Cup.

Appiah also highlighted the contributions of traders who sell at stadiums during local matches, arguing that they help sustain the game but are excluded when World Cup-related benefits are distributed.

According to him, the situation reflects a lack of proper planning and coordination in the management of Ghana football.

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He questioned whether Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams should lead efforts to reform the game, arguing that the minister's approach appeared to focus on responding to problems rather than implementing a comprehensive plan.

“That’s why, if you ask me, he cannot be the person to lead this reform, because he doesn’t have a plan. His plan is to firefight what is going on. You don’t need that,” Appiah stated.

He called for leadership that would unite stakeholders and focus on finding solutions rather than assigning blame to individuals.

“Blaming Kurt, blaming Kofi Adams, blaming this will not solve the problem,” he said.

Appiah added that effective leadership must involve calming tensions, bringing stakeholders together and creating an environment where everyone works towards improving Ghana football.

Ebo Appiah says it is unfair that people invest in local football, only for those with no involvement in the game to benefit when the World Cup comes around.

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— SportyFM Ghana (@SportyFM_) October 14, 2026