Ghana expects $12.5m FIFA payment before end of September – Sports Minister Kofi Adams

Ghana is expected to receive about $12.5m from FIFA before the end of September, Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams has told Parliament.

Adams said discussions over taxes and the final settlement of funds linked to the 2026 Fifa World Cup were still ongoing.

Appearing before Parliament’s Select Committee on Sports, he said Ghana would know the exact amount due once FIFA completed its financial processes with the tournament’s host countries.

“We hope that by the end of this month, FIFA will have concluded all their processes and their agreements with the host countries,” Adams said.

He added that the outstanding funds would be transferred to Ghana’s sports fund through the Ghana Football Association once the relevant processes were completed.

“We will know the tax issues, and we’ll know how much would be our portion of what is due to us up to the point that we got,” he said.

Under Ghanaian law, Adams said the money would be channelled directly into the Sports Fund after FIFA and the host countries conclude the outstanding tax arrangements.

The minister also said Ghana’s World Cup campaign had highlighted areas that needed attention ahead of future international competitions.

He identified player development, coaching, a clear football philosophy and long-term planning as key areas for improvement.

“Having participated in this tournament, there are some lessons that management and the GFA should place greater emphasis on for future tournaments,” Adams said.

“The performance of the team at the World Cup, player development, effective coaching and a clear philosophy can help unlock the potential of the players.

“This campaign underlined the necessity for long-term planning and a sustainable financial plan for national team activities.”