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