Daniel McKorley, Executive Chairman of McDan Group of Companies and a prominent figure in Ghana’s business and sports sectors, is facing backlash after his recent remarks about the Ghana Premier League (GPL).
During an interview on Asempa FM, McKorley described the league as being plagued by excessive gambling, stating, “I can sponsor the Ghana Premier League, but the gambling is too much.”
His comments, which have stirred controversy within the football community, were met with strong disagreement from Sheikh Tophic, the Deputy Communications Manager of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
Tophic challenged McKorley’s assertion, emphasizing that the business mogul may not be fully informed about the realities within the league.
“Mr. McKorley spoke with a very clean heart. For somebody to comment about something wrong with the product means it bothers him,” Tophic acknowledged, but he added, “What it means is that he does not follow our league.”
According to Tophic, McKorley’s perspective appears to be influenced by media reports rather than firsthand knowledge, despite McKorley’s role as a board member of Accra Great Olympics.
Tophic went further to question McKorley’s claims by asserting that the businessman would be unable to name a single club involved in gambling even under extreme pressure.
“He follows football as a fan. In fact, he is a board member of Great Olympics, and he pumps a lot of money into the team. So when he says this, it means that he only listens to what is said in the media. Even if you put a pistol to his head to mention which teams have been involved in betting, he would not be able to,” Tophic argued.
The GFA official concluded by urging the media to play a positive role in promoting the league and called on McKorley to collaborate with the GFA in changing the negative perceptions surrounding the GPL.
McKorley, known for his contributions to sports development in Ghana, has yet to respond to the criticisms.
However, his comments have reignited the conversation about gambling’s impact on the integrity of sports in the country.
As the debate continues, stakeholders are being reminded of the need for unity and constructive dialogue in addressing the challenges facing the GPL.
