Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially reported certain betting companies to the Gaming Commission of Ghana. These companies have been accused of offering unauthorised betting on GFA-sanctioned matches without approval from the Football Association.
In response, the GFA has urged the Gaming Commission to take immediate action to investigate and halt these betting platforms from continuing their unlicensed activities involving the Association’s games.
The Gaming Commission is responsible for regulating gaming activities in the country, including issuing licences and permits to operators and individuals who wish to run promotions that include elements of chance.
The betting companies reported to the Gaming Commission include Betway, Soccabet, Sportybet, Football.com, and Ilobet.
The unauthorised use of any of the GFA’s match data by the above-mentioned companies for betting purposes infringes on the Association’s legal rights and is in clear breach of its rules and regulations.
The GFA has a strict policy against unauthorised betting on football matches, as such activities pose a significant threat to the integrity of the game and harm the reputation of the Association.
It will be recalled that President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku issued a stern warning to betting companies operating in the country during the 30th convocation of Congress, held at the GFA technical centre, Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence.
He stated that no betting company has been authorised to offer odds on Ghana Premier League (GPL) matches.
The President emphasised that the GFA’s legal team will soon be taking action against betting companies that continue to include GPL matches in their offerings.
“We have not licenced any betting company to take odds on our games,” President Simeon-Okraku said during the 30th Ordinary Congress in Prampram on August 27, 2024.
“We are going to empower our legal department to confront this issue head-on. It is not okay for betting companies to feed on our football.”
The GFA President has made it clear that the association is open to partnering with betting companies but only if they comply with the necessary regulations.