Govt budgets $14.1m for Ghana’s World Cup participation 

Government has budgeted approximately $14.1 million for Ghana’s participation in FIFA World Cup to be staged in Qatar.

Appearance fee, per diems, flight arrangements, medicals,

Youth and Sports Minister, Mr. Mustapha Ussif in Parliament who announced this on the floor of Parliament explained that the estimated budget will cater for players’ appearance fees, per diems, flight arrangements, medicals, equipment, logistics, and hospitality.

Budget covers expenditure up to the semi-finals

He explained that the $ 14.1 million will cover Ghana’s expenditure up to the semi-finals stage of the tournament.

Group stage and round of 16 expenditure

According to him,  $8.1 million  ($8,166,200) will be used for the group stage which will increase to $8.7  million ( $8,792,600) in case Ghana progresses to the round of 16

Last eight stage expenditure

In the event that the Black Stars progress to the last eight stage, expenditure will  increase to $9.5 million ($ 9,512,200).

$1.5m FIFA money for preparations

Ghana received $1.5 million from  the Ghana Football Association (GFA) after qualifying for the Mundial to augment the team’s preparation towards the tournament.

Various prize money

FIFA will pay $9 million if Ghana qualifies from the group stage, and the amount will increase to $13 million after progressing to the knockout stage.

Ghana will receive $17 million if the team qualifies for the quarterfinal stage and a whopping $42 million if Ghana becomes the first African country to book a semi-final berth.

Ussif said the benefits Ghana will derive from participating in the biggest global showpiece are enormous as compared to Ghana’s expenditure.

He said the tourism and investment opportunities that Ghana could accrue from taking part in the FIFA World Cup cannot be overlooked.

“Ghana’s appearance and performance in Qatar would publicize, advertise and showcase the Ghanaian culture and other opportunities for foreign direct investment and tourism,” he said.

Ghana is paired in Group H alongside Portugal, Uruguay, and South Korea.