Sports News of Tuesday, 29 October 2002

Source: Network Herald

Crystal TV's sponsorship package inadequate

Crystal TV’s 5billion-cedi sponsorship deal for Ghana soccer over a five-year period has been declared as inadequate.

The proposal presented by the management of the Kumasi-based TV station together with Nigerian agency covers all the soccer leagues played in Ghana with a yearly package worth 1billion cedis. Among the leagues played nationwide in Ghana, are the premier, division one, two, three leagues, colts under 17 and 14 as well as women’s soccer leagues.

Under the agreement, Crystal TV would have the right to all league matches played nationwide, which they would rebroadcast internationally.

Some members of the FA’s legal committee studying the document described it as woefully inadequate for the entire country’s soccer leagues, accordingly, the investors have been asked to increase the sponsorship package.

Meanwhile, Metropolitan TV has successfully secured exclusive rights to the remaining four premier league games at a cost of 150million cedis. The source hinted the Network Herald that though the amount is unattractive, it is better than having no organization paying for it.

Under the agreement, all television networks would have to buy the rights of the Ghanaian premiership from Metropolitan TV before they rebroadcast. Also, the amount, which is supposed to go to the clubs, would be used to service the outstanding 120million cedi debt owed the Ghana League Clubs Association-GHALCA, by clubs