GFA increases participation fees for 2023/2024 Malta Guinness Women's Premier League Season
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has revealed an increase in the total participation fees for the upcoming 2023/2024 Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League (WPL) season.
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In preparation for the new season set to kick off on the weekend of October 27-30, 2023, Southern Zone teams will see a 50% rise, from GH₵40,000 to GH₵60,000, while Northern Zone teams will receive GH₵65,000, a 44% increase from the previous season's GH₵45,000.
Despite these adjustments, the prize money for the league champion and runner-up remains steady at GH₵50,000 and GH₵30,000, respectively. Additionally, the GFA is extending an enticing offer to clubs, presenting them with the opportunity to win four buses to enhance their operations.
Speaking during the launch event in Accra last Wednesday, Dr. Gifty Oware-Mensah, the Women's representative on the GFA Executive Council, emphasized that this increase demonstrates the keen interest of GFA President, Kurt Okraku, in advancing women's football in the country.
Furthermore, Dr. Oware-Mensah, who also serves as the President of WPL side Berry Ladies, revealed that the GFA will cover the expenses associated with refereeing and match commissioners for all games throughout the season, culminating on May 17, 2024.
The launch event, held at The Fitzgerald, was attended by Executive Council members of the GFA, Malta Guinness Ghana executives, and representatives from all 20 participating clubs. This season's launch follows Ampem Darkoa Ladies’ triumph in the previous campaign.
The ceremony was also an occasion to welcome the four newly promoted clubs, namely Kumasi Sports Academy, Sea Lions, Jonina Ladies, and Fosu Royals, to the WPL. Additionally, new trophies for the season were unveiled.
The Vice Chairperson of the Women’s Premier League Committee, Mrs. Rosalind Amoh expressed her anticipation for an exciting and record-breaking season.
She affirmed that the competition format remains unchanged, with 10 teams in both the Southern and Northern Zones, competing over 18 rounds of games to secure playoff spots.
Mrs. Amoh encouraged players to seize this opportunity to catch the eye of national team coaches and scouts from around the world. She also expressed hope that Malta Guinness would employ its proven marketing and promotional strategies to garner more attention for the WPL.
Mr. Fadi Fattal, the Group Director Imax Media Group, the broadcast rights holders of the league said viewership and interest had grown beyond what was initially envisioned.
He attributed the success to the partnership between the GFA, Imax and Malta Guinness which he said had turned the league into a "household event".
The Marketing & Innovation Director of Guinness Ghana Limited, Estella Muzito shared the company's excitement for another thrilling season following the success of the 2022/23 campaign.
She emphasized the significant progress women's football has made in earning a well-deserved place in the hearts and minds of the people.
Malta Guinness is currently in the second year of a three-year GHc10 million sponsorship deal for the WPL.