The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially lodged a complaint with the Gaming Commission, calling attention to several betting companies engaging in unauthorized wagering on GFA-sanctioned matches. These platforms, including Betway, Soccabet, Sportybet, Football.com, and Ilobet, have been offering betting options without the necessary permissions from the GFA.
In its report, the GFA urged the Gaming Commission to swiftly investigate and enforce measures that would halt the unlawful betting activities. The association stressed the need for immediate intervention to protect the integrity of its competitions.
The Gaming Commission, which regulates the gaming industry in Ghana, is tasked with issuing licenses to operators and granting permits for any promotions involving elements of chance. The unauthorized use of GFA match data for betting purposes by these companies is a violation of the association’s legal rights and breaches its established rules.
The GFA has long maintained a strict policy against unauthorized betting on its matches, citing concerns about the integrity of the sport and potential damage to the association’s reputation. Betting on football without proper authorization poses significant risks to the game’s credibility.
This stance was reiterated by GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku during the 30th Congress at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram. He delivered a firm warning to betting companies, stating that none had been given the green light to offer odds on Ghana Premier League (GPL) matches.
“We have not licensed any betting company to take odds on our games,” he emphasized at the Congress held on August 27, 2024. The president further indicated that the GFA’s legal team would soon begin taking action against those who continue to violate these rules.
Simeon-Okraku acknowledged that while the GFA is open to collaborating with betting companies, such partnerships must adhere to the association’s regulations and ensure the protection of the sport’s integrity.
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Via:GFA Communications
