The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has announced significant adjustments to the budget for the Black Stars’ 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali, resulting in savings of over $732,000. According to the final approval from the Presidency, the initial estimates submitted by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) were carefully reviewed, with several line items either reduced or removed entirely.
Match Day 7 (Chad vs Ghana – Away)
Imprest/Incidental Expenses: Reduced from $60,000 to $20,000 (saving $40,000).
Facility User Fees: $2,000 removed entirely.
Internal Transport (Fuel): $5,000 removed entirely.
Players’ Bonuses: Reduced from $260,000 to $130,000 (saving $130,000).
Head Coach Bonus: Reduced from $20,000 to $10,000 (saving $10,000).
Assistant Coaches’ Bonuses: Reduced from $30,000 to $15,000 (saving $15,000).
Backroom Staff Block: Reduced from $90,000 to $32,000 (saving $58,000).
Support Staff (Kits, Welfare, Media, etc.): Reduced from $72,000 to $32,000 (saving $40,000).
Management Officials (Six): $60,000 allocation removed entirely.
Match Day 8 (Ghana vs Mali – Home)
Officials’ Accommodation: Reduced from $33,750 to $32,500 (saving $1,250).
Team Meals: Reduced from $21,200 to $20,800 (saving $400).
Officials’ Per Diems: Reduced from $37,800 to $36,400 (saving $1,400).
Imprest/Incidental Expenses: Reduced from $60,000 to $20,000 (saving $40,000).
Vehicle Rental: Reduced from $10,000 to $7,500 (saving $2,500).
Players’ Bonuses: Reduced from $260,000 to $130,000 (saving $130,000).
Head Coach Bonus: Reduced from $20,000 to $10,000 (saving $10,000).
Assistant Coaches’ Bonuses: Reduced from $30,000 to $15,000 (saving $15,000).
Backroom Staff Block: Reduced from $90,000 to $36,000 (saving $54,000).
Support Staff & Services: Reduced from $72,000 to $36,000 (saving $36,000).
Management Officials (Six): $60,000 allocation removed entirely.
The adjustments mean the final approved budget stands at $856,890 for the Chad match and $463,600 for the Mali match, compared to the GFA’s original combined request of $2,053,240. The Ministry emphasised that core provisions such as player travel, accommodation, meals, medical expenses, and charter flights were fully funded, ensuring no compromise on the team’s performance needs.
Source: JoySports
