Suspend Clubs That Breach Contracts – GFA told

Chief Executive Officer of Databank, Kojo Addae-Mensah, has called on the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to take strong action against clubs that refuse to comply with the newly introduced Standard Player Contract.

The contract, launched by the GFA’s Executive Council, is meant to improve player welfare by setting minimum standards for player agreements across all clubs. It will take effect from the 2025/26 football season. The contract also aims to protect players’ rights, create balance in club-player relationships, and reduce legal issues in Ghana’s football scene.

Speaking in a recent interview with Kumasi-based LUV FM, Mr. Addae-Mensah stressed that clubs who break these rules should not get away with light punishments. Instead, he said they should be suspended from participating in the league.

“It’s not punitive enough. Some clubs will go and do an altercation, they will go to the firing committee, before I hear, they will say that they have been fined 5,000 Cedis. I mean, it’s not punitive,” he told Kumasi-based LUV FM.

“For me, if you breach this, because this is the player’s welfare, these are the actors of the game. If you ask me, if you breach this, you must be suspended from the league.”

He further explained that serious consequences are necessary to encourage compliance, using examples from Europe where clubs have faced harsh penalties.

“In Europe, clubs have been relegated in for breaches like this. It has happened many times. Juventus flouted something, and they were relegated. You know, so, we have to put in proper punitive measures, but if you do slap on the wrist punitive measures there, it won’t take us anywhere,” he said.

The Standard Player Contract is expected to help reduce conflict, bring fairness to contract dealings, and raise the level of professionalism in Ghana football. It is seen as a major step toward building a more stable and respected football industry.