FIFA Opposes Salary Cuts - Kurt Okraku

Ghana FA president Kurt Okraku, says world football governing body FIFA, is strongly against the idea of slashing player salaries, adding that FIFA does not think it is a right approach under any circumstance.

In the last couple of weeks, the biggest conversation in the sporting fraternity has been about salary cuts for players and other officials in sports due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The coronavirus pandemic has affected every sector of the economy especially the sporting industry which has been plunged into financial difficulties.

Ghanaian clubs are looking to emulate their counterparts in Europe who have been able to reach agreements with their players to reduce their salaries due to the financial difficulties that have arisen because of the pandemic.

Most Ghanaian players have kicked against the idea of a salary cut and instead are hoping for salary increments from their clubs.

The Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG), which is the welfare body for players in the country has also opposed the idea of a pay cut.

Discussing the effects of Covid-19 on Ghana’s Sports industry, Kurt Okraku on his view on the salary cut said, it is one that FIFA even frowns up.

“FIFA has spoken about the issue. They don’t want us to touch the salaries of footballers but it is something that has come to our attention but we would like to respect the decision of FIFA”, he was quoted by Ghanafa.org.

“With the Ghana Premier League suspended and all major streams of revenue for the clubs come to a halt, clubs are looking up to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to secure some funds from the GFA to bail out players”, he added.

Some Ghana Premier League clubs such as AshantiGold Sporting Club, Asante Kotoko have been successful in negotiating with their players to agree to a pay cut whilst others have totally kicked against the decision.