Sports
FIFA Financial Governance Workshop launches in Accra
A three-day high-level workshop on FIFA financial governance has commenced at the Marriott Hotel in Accra.
This initiative aims to equip participants with the latest knowledge and tools to enhance financial governance and accountability within football administration.
Organised by FIFA, the workshop is part of the newly established FIFA Campus, which serves as a central hub for football education and capacity development for ten member associations, including Cape Verde, Gambia, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and the host Ghana.
The workshop will focus on strategies to improve financial transparency, effective resource allocation, and best practices that align with FIFA’s financial management standards.
It has brought together general secretaries and chief finance directors from mostly Anglophone African member associations.
Performing the opening ceremony, Mark Addo, Vice President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), praised FIFA for selecting Ghana as the venue for this important workshop. He emphasised that it would enhance understanding of financial governance, which is essential for integrity, accountability, and transparency in football.
Addo highlighted that transparency, accountability, and ethical governance are fundamental principles for FIFA, which requires all member associations to adhere to strict financial standards to maintain trust and integrity within the sport.
“Implementing transparent, accountable, and ethical financial practices fosters trust and supports our global football communities. It also aids in expanding our products and collaborations.
Workshops like this provide a valuable opportunity for us to learn from each other and share ideas that will strengthen our collective efforts,” he stated.
He urged participants to recognise that financial governance is not merely a technical obligation but a moral and ethical responsibility to the millions who view association officials as custodians of the game. He encouraged open dialogue and the courage to embrace new ideas.
Christoph Suppiger, FIFA’s head of financial governance programs, reiterated that the organization’s commitment to developing football globally relies on sound financial management. This ensures that member associations receive optimal value from funding distributed through the FIFA Forward program. Regular workshops like this one are essential for enhancing financial governance and capacity development among member associations.
The workshop began with a presentation of the Financial Governance Guide, followed by discussions, group work, and case studies covering topics such as conflict of interest, planning and budgeting, procurement processes, and the significance of maintaining adequate supporting documentation.
By Raymond Ackumey
Officials from the Ghana mission in the United Arab Emirates have paid a morale-boosting visit to the camp of the Black Queens.
The delegation, made up of Consular Officer Percy Okudzeto, Consul and Head of Chancery Abdul-Jalil Sigli Yakubu Abdulai and Head of Transport Anas Shaibu, visited the team to assure them of the government’s support and commitment to their safety and welfare.
During the visit, the officials interacted with the team and offered words of encouragement, urging the team to remain focused on the tournament despite concerns surrounding unrest in parts of the UAE.
Consular Officer Percy Okudzeto emphasised that the Ghanaian government, through its diplomatic mission, is closely monitoring the situation and is committed to ensuring the team’s safety throughout their stay.
“We want the team to stay calm and focus on the competition. The government and the embassy are doing everything possible to ensure your safety and well-being.” he said.
Consul and Head of Chancery Abdul-Jalil Sigli Yakubu Abdulai also reiterated the mission’s readiness to provide any assistance required by the team during the tournament.
Leadership of the team expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as timely and motivating.
With the backing of Ghana’s diplomatic officials in the UAE, the Black Queens remain determined to represent the country proudly and deliver strong performances in the Pink Ladies Cup.
The Black Queens have arrived in the United Arab Emirates to participate in the upcoming Pink Ladies Cup in Dubai. The team touched down at the Dubai International Airport via Emirates Air on Wednesday morning and were warmly received by the competition’s organising officials.
The squad will be based at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, where they will begin their final preparations for the tournament. Organised as part of the international women’s football calendar, the Pink Ladies Cup is expected to feature four national sides using the competition to assess their squads and fine-tune strategies for upcoming tournaments.
Ghana will open their campaign today with a clash against Hong Kong, while Russia and Tanzania face off in the other opening match.
The Black Queens are then scheduled to return to action on March 3, when they take on Russia in a match expected to test them against a physically strong opponent.
The final round of games will be played on March 6, with Ghana closing their campaign against Tanzania at 9:00 pm.
With three matches in eight days, the tournament promises to be a crucial phase in Ghana’s preparation, as the Black Queens aim to return to continental action sharper, stronger, and more competitive.
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