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Tag: betting

  • Betting isn’t the most desirable of occupations but there is hardship – Felix Kwakye Ofosu

    Betting isn’t the most desirable of occupations but there is hardship – Felix Kwakye Ofosu

    Government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu has acknowledged that although betting may not be an ideal occupation, economic hardship has pushed many young Ghanaians into it as a means of survival.

    Speaking on JoyNews on Wednesday, March 12, during discussions on the 2025 budget, Kwakye Ofosu defended the government’s decision to scrap taxes on betting winnings. He argued that taxing bettors’ earnings in the current economic climate would only worsen their financial struggles.

    “We find that there were many youth who were driven into that activity because of hardship and the need for them to find something to do to make ends meet,” he stated.

    “It is not the most desirable of occupations, or if you like hobbies, but at the moment, many people are finding solace there.”

    He explained that, given the lack of sufficient job opportunities, it would be unfair to impose taxes on the little winnings bettors make.

    “Do you create difficulty for them by going to tax their meagre winnings when you have not been able to give them employment and they are struggling to find their feet?” he questioned. “We believe that it is important to remove that particular tax on winnings.”

    However, he made it clear that while bettors will no longer be taxed on their earnings, betting companies will continue to be taxed like any other business.

    “Government is taxing betting companies on their earnings like any other business, so they pay corporate income tax like any other business and are subject to any other taxes charged on businesses,” he assured.

    “But as for the betting companies, there’s no way they are escaping taxation.”

    Kwakye Ofosu added that the removal of the tax on winnings has been met with widespread approval, indicating that it was a burden on many young people.

    “I think that it is something that has been widely received, well received by people, and it shows that it was something that was really suffocating people and we needed to do something about it,” he concluded.

  • NPP govt collected over GHS80m from betting tax – Ato Forson

    NPP govt collected over GHS80m from betting tax – Ato Forson

    Finance Minister Ato Forson has refuted claims by his predecessor, Mohammed Amin Adam, that the previous administration never enforced the betting tax.

    During a press conference on Tuesday, March 11, shortly after delivering the new government’s first budget, Dr. Forson addressed the matter.

    The budget had announced the removal of several levies, including the e-levy and betting tax.

    Meanwhile, Dr. Amin Adam insisted that the NPP government never collected the tax on lottery and sports betting winnings, despite its passage in 2023.

    He argued that it was misleading for the NDC government to take credit for abolishing a tax that was never implemented.

    “Betting tax that they said they have abolished, we never collected Betting Tax. So to come and tell Ghanaians that you have abolished something that you have not implemented, is to deceive the people of Ghana.”

    Speaking on PM Express with Evans Mensah on Tuesday night, Finance Minister Ato Forson dismissed Mohammed Amin Adam’s claim, arguing that his predecessor was misinformed on the issue.

    According to Dr. Forson, checks indicate that the betting tax was enforced in the latter part of 2024, with government revenue records showing that over GH₵80 million had already been collected from it. He stressed that the facts contradict Dr. Amin Adam’s assertion.

    “I don’t think he’s on top of that matter because my checks revealed that it was implemented in the second half of 2024. And my checks also reveal that year-to-date, the government of Ghana has collected over GH₵80 million from betting tax, so I don’t know what he’s talking about. It is not the fact. The fact on the ground does not support his assertion. Clearly, the betting tax was implemented, he insisted.

    The betting tax, which imposed a 10% withholding tax on sports betting and lottery winnings, was introduced by the previous administration. While the policy faced widespread opposition, Dr. Amin Adam insists his government never implemented it before leaving office.

    During the NPP’s manifesto launch in Takoradi in August 2024, then-presidential candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia reaffirmed his pledge to scrap the E-Levy and betting tax if elected.

    He also promised to reduce the withholding tax on small-scale gold exports to 1% to help curb smuggling.

    “We’ll also reduce Withholding Tax for small-scale gold exports to 1% to curb smuggling, and abolish the Betting Tax,” Dr Bawumia promised during the party’s manifesto launch in Takoradi on August 18, 2024.

  • Betting tax is unnecessary, it must be scrapped – Sosu to govt

    Betting tax is unnecessary, it must be scrapped – Sosu to govt

    Francis-Xavier Sosu, the Member of Parliament for Madina, has called for the abolition of the betting tax, labeling it as unnecessary.

    In a recent interview with Dr. Ren on Rainbow Radio 92.4FM in the UK, Sosu, a lawyer, argued that generating revenue through betting is unwise. He emphasized that a country should not rely on such means to generate income.

    He explained, “If you make betting a source of revenue, you will encourage more people to participate. I don’t think you’d want to create a society in which your young people are encouraged to gamble so that you can profit. What we should look into is an alternative form of job creation for people so that they can be weaned off gambling. You do not impose a betting tax to encourage people to bet. That’s where I totally disagree.”

    Sosu further expressed his belief that betting is not something that should be promoted among the youth.

    The tax, which came into effect on August 15, 2023, imposes a 10% levy on all gross gaming winnings. This replaced the previous 15% VAT on stakes and was introduced in line with the amended Income Tax Act of 2023 (Act 1094).

    According to Sosu, addressing youth unemployment is key in reducing the appeal of betting.

    “We are gradually twisting our society, and I pray that we will be able to do the right thing and not depend on the revenue of taxation. It is also not true that scrapping the betting tax will encourage more young people to engage in it. The opposite is rather the truth. Betting should not be a source of revenue for the national government,” he added.

  • Policeman allegedly apprehended for MoMo fraud; accused of spending GH¢14,460 on betting

    Policeman allegedly apprehended for MoMo fraud; accused of spending GH¢14,460 on betting

    Constable Ernest Agyemang Darko, affiliated with the National Visibility Unit, has been apprehended for participating in mobile money fraud.

    As per a police situational report obtained by MyNewsGh.com, on November 29, 2023, Constable Ernest Agyemang Darko visited the Kasoa Branch of MTN Ghana for transactions amounting to GH¢14,460.

    However, he failed to produce the corresponding sum after the transactions were completed. Subsequently, he was taken to the CBG Bank, where he claimed to have an account, but the bank was closed.

    The agent subsequently alerted the police in the area, leading to his arrest.

    In his cautionary statement, Constable Ernest Agyemang Darko admitted to having no money on his person and no funds in his bank account.

    Despite this, he proceeded with the transactions, compelled by the pressure from individuals to whom he owed money and losses he incurred through betting.

  • Berekum College of Education student wins over GHC100K after betting

    Berekum College of Education student wins over GHC100K after betting

    Recent reports on social media suggest that a student at Berekum College of Education in the Bono Region has won GHC1.8 billion (old currency) after engaging in sports betting.

    A viral video shows other colleagues celebrating the bettor, who was showered with white powder. In the video, a male student shouts, “He has won. He has won 1.8 billion. Berekum College of Education, a student has won.”

    If this news is proven to be accurate, then the government will apply its betting tax of 10 percent to this income. The government is set to generate GH180,000,000 (old currency).

    In October this year, the Domestic Tax Revenue Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority noted that it had generated GH¢15 million from the recently implemented bet tax within a month.

  • Newcastle readies for Sandro Tonali replacement

    Newcastle readies for Sandro Tonali replacement

    Newcastle United has come to terms with the fact that Sandro Tonali is potentially facing an extended ban due to his violation of gambling regulations in Italy, according to a report from Football Insider.

    Consequently, the club is now poised to enter the transfer market in the upcoming January window.

    Sandro Tonali, a 23-year-old who made a £55 million switch from AC Milan to Newcastle during the summer, has been a significant asset to the Magpies.

    His potential absence is a considerable setback, especially as the team aims to manage both domestic commitments and their return to the Champions League.

    Beppe Riso, the agent of the Italy international, holds out hope that his client won’t face excessively severe penalties.

    “Sandro will pay for what he did wrong but he won’t be punished for what he didn’t do,” Riso told Dazn Italia. “I’ve already read too many sentences around this. I hope the correct sanction is given for what he represents for our football, he is an Italian asset.”

    https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lFK3f-phNwU

  • Rt Rev. Mante expresses regret over poor youth addicted to betting

    The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church, of Ghana, Rt Rev. Prof. Joseph Obiri Yeboah, has expressed concern over the growing addiction to sports betting among the youth.

    Rev Mante emphasized the church’s responsibility in addressing this issue to promote discipline among young people.

    He made this call during the dedication ceremony of the Daniel Ntow Obese Children and Youth Resource Centre for the Unity Presbyterian Congregation in Nkanfoa, Cape Coast, as reported by the media.

    The media reports that Rt Rev Mante lamented the challenges facing the youth and observed that sports betting has “left many of them in pain and poorer as betting companies continued to cash in on their vulnerabilities.”

    Over the past decade, Ghana’s betting industry has experienced significant expansion, attracting numerous betting companies to establish their presence in the country.

    Others also believe that betting is legal and a legitimate means of earning income, and thus cannot be deemed a negative practice when no laws are violated.

    Meanwhile, in August, the Ghana Revenue Authority formally implemented a 10% withholding tax on all betting, games, and lottery winnings.

    This action came in response to the government’s amendment of the Tax Act, which introduced withholding tax on proceeds from sports betting and lotteries.

    In recent years, sports betting has sparked debates among Ghanaians, with some expressing concerns about its adverse impacts on the youth, such as addiction.

    Others also believe that betting is legal and a legitimate means of earning income, and thus cannot be deemed a negative practice when no laws are violated.

    Meanwhile, in August, the Ghana Revenue Authority formally implemented a 10% withholding tax on all betting, games, and lottery winnings.

    This action came in response to the government’s amendment of the Tax Act, which introduced withholding tax on proceeds from sports betting and lotteries.

  • Young people will stop gambling over 10% tax – Pius Hadzide

    Young people will stop gambling over 10% tax – Pius Hadzide

    CEO of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Pius Enam Hadzide, has expressed his appreciation to the government for the implementation of a 10% tax on lottery winnings and betting.

    He highlighted that the escalating participation of young individuals in betting poses a substantial risk to the nation, referring to it as a “time bomb.” He believes that the introduction of the 10% tax will play a crucial role in curbing this concerning trend.

    Enam Hadzide, CEO of the National Youth Authority, emphasized that a growing number of young people are straying from the foundational principles of the nation—namely, diligence and honesty—instead seeking quick avenues for personal enrichment.

    During an interview on Citi TV’s program “The Point of View” on August 21, 2023, Pius Enam Hadzide revealed that the prevalence of gambling in Ghana poses a serious threat to the education system.

    “We have been concerned about the increasing incidences of gambling that are affecting even the education of children. Our assessment is that when you go to many of these betting sites, you see young people in uniforms betting. We have developed the culture that the Ghanaian is known as one who is hardworking, one who is committed to decent work and honest work.

    These are what we stand for. According to citinewsroom.com, he remarked, “The idea of young people trying to become wealthy rapidly is a perilous route to follow for any country in the long run.

    The National Youth Authority CEO stated that he fully supports the implementation of the 10% betting tax and believes that it will deter young people from gambling.

    “So we have always advocated that the government should take steps to discourage gambling. We were looking at both legislative and physical measures, such as tax measures, to discourage and disincentivize people from indulging in excessive betting, especially now that our own research has indicated that the vast majority of the youth in our country are drifting into that area. In our view, it is a ticking time bomb.

    “So we applaud the government because we have brought up this matter before past and present officers of state, and we are excited that the government is finally listening to us and implementing measures to disincentivize gambling,” citinewsroom.com quoted him as having said.

  • Betting is an occupation- Kofi Akpaloo

    Betting is an occupation- Kofi Akpaloo

    Founder of the Liberal Party Ghana (LPG) Kofi Akpaloo has defended the government on its newly introduced tax on betting. 

    Speaking in an interview, he said the tax is a necessary measure since the government needs revenue to run the country.

    He further asserted that once individuals earn from betting, then that constitutes an occupation and needs to be taxed.

    “We need money to run the economy and betting is a chosen occupation for some people. Every occupation is an  occupation. Betting is an occupation. Once that’s what people have chosen to get money from, it’s an occupation,” he justified his comment. 

    “Once you stake the bet and win, you need to give the government its commission,” he added. 

    Mr Akplaoo was making the comment on the back of the government’s introduction of the tax on betting. 

    The 10% levy slapped on earnings from betting received heavy backlash from the public domain. Regardless, the government ignored the calls for the tax to be withdrawn and implemented it. 

    There have been various justifications for the move, with one coming from Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, who states that betting encourages laziness. Therefore, implementing the tax on it aims to discourage laziness.

    Nevertheless, the youth stand firmly by their viewpoint. They argue that the government has not generated sufficient employment opportunities to assert that betting leads to laziness.

    Speaking on the development, Mr Akpaloo noted that sensitisation has been low.

    “Education on the tax policy is low and the matter has been politicized and so people are not aware of the truth regarding the matter,” he added.

  • Angry Ghanaians rain curses on Akufo-Addo

    Angry Ghanaians rain curses on Akufo-Addo

    President Akufo-Addo has encountered the wrath of Ghanaians over his government’s failure to address the many challenges facing the ordinary citizen.

    Amidst a hike in petrol prices, a surge in the prices of goods and commodities, the government has imposed a 10 percent withholding tax on all betting, games and lottery wins.

    The new tax measure being implemented by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) took effect on Tuesday, August 15, 2023.

    Some citizens, particularly bettors, are displeased and have decided to vent their spleen, raining all sorts of insults and curses on the president.

    Engaging the media, aggrieved citizens questioned the use of the funds generated by the government through the collection of taxes.

    “When you go to the port, they charge all sorts of amounts, and now super bet they are taxing. What do you use the money for. What do our leaders use the money for,” ,a middle-aged man vented.

    He noted that it is unacceptable for the government to ruin the reputation of former President John Dramani Mahama and do worse with regards to governance after given the nod.

    “They should tell us. We are not stupid. You told us Mahama was not good, and we agreed to vote for Akufo-Addo. Now Nana is here, and look at what he is doing.”

    One of the citizens noted that the president is not to blame, but rather his cousin and senior member of the New Patriotic Party, Gabby Otchere-Darko.

    “It is not Nana, it is Gabby Otchere-Darko,” a man said.

    They, however, in unison, came to the agreement that leaders who have robbed the country will be judged by God Almighty.

    “What wrong have we committed to the leaders. Tell us. We voted for you, we have the power. You came to beg us but after voting for you, you take us as your children.

    Be careful. The day you leave this earth, God will judge you. All of you spending Ghana’s money, God will judge you,” they said.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LE8JyBOnFHE

    Meanwhile, the Youth Wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has noted that it will picket at the Ministry of Finance, occupy government offices across the country, and later start and scale up nationwide conventional and unconventional lawful agitations as a measure of resistance to the bet tax measure imposed.

  • 10% betting tax too small; It should be more – Kennedy Agyapong

    10% betting tax too small; It should be more – Kennedy Agyapong

    Assin Central MP, and aspiring presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Agyapong, has voiced his opinion with regards to the 10% tax slapped on betting. 

    He has declared his support for the tax. Speaking in an interview on 3XTRA, he opined that the current 10% tax is insufficient and should be increased. 

    Tax on betting took effect from Tuesday, August 15, 2023, across the country. This comes after the government amended the Tax Act, therefore, introducing withholding tax on winnings from sports betting and lottery.

    Although the Ghana Revenue Authority has stated that it intends to raise about GHC 1.2 million from lottery activities through this tax, the decision has been greeted with fierce rejection. 

    Ghanaians have condemned the tax and are calling for its withdrawal. Mr Agyapong on the other hand said the move by the government is a step in the right direction. 

    “The tax is in order and should have been more. In America, if you win a billion dollars lottery, you’ll take home about 6 million dollars. Why? Because it’s free money and it’s taxable,” he said, adding that the government has been charitable for slapping just 10% as tax on betting. 

    He additionally urged the youth to refrain from engaging in such activities, as they are detrimental to their future prospects.

    “Betting is nothing good for your future, that’s why it should be punitive to discourage the young  men and women coming up,” he added.

  • NDC Youth Wing demands reversal of 10% bet tax

    NDC Youth Wing demands reversal of 10% bet tax

    The Youth Wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has demanded that the government immediately rescinds its 10% withholding tax on all betting, games and lottery wins, which took effect from August 15, 2023

    According to the group, the tax measure is a “burdensome and insensitive policy.”

    To ensure the government reverses the tax measure, the NDC Youth Wing has threatened to undertake a number of diplomatic initiatives to persuade government.

    The group will first picket at the Ministry of Finance and occupy government offices across the country, and later start and scale up nationwide conventional and unconventional lawful agitations as a measure of resistance.

    Also, the NDC Youth Wing plans to occupy Parliament and other government agencies.

    According to the group in a press statement dated August 16, these actions will “ensure our voices are heard.”

    “Our unity is unwavering, and our determination to protect the funds young people secure through betting is unyielding,” the statement added.

  • Kyei Mensah-Bonsu compares betting to robbery

    Kyei Mensah-Bonsu compares betting to robbery

    Majority Leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, has voiced his displeasure against the practice of betting by Ghanaian citizens.

    He argues that betting does not encourage handwork as it is mainly dependent on luck.

    Speaking in an interview on Kumasi-based Angel FM on Thursday, the Suame MP likened betting to robbery, as both activities require chances for success.

    “I don’t believe in betting. I don’t believe in luck. I believe in hard work and sweating to get money. Let’s be serious. As for me, I’m against betting coming into the country.

    “They say it is work,” the host stated. But in a sharp rebuttal, the Majority leader said “if you put it that way, robbery is also a work.”

    “I am not happy with it. It does not encourage hard work,” he added.

    Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s comment has not been well-received by some Ghanaians on social media.

    Some tweeps argued that should government have provided more jobs and created an enabling environment for job opportunities, many of the youths would not be engaged in betting.

    Starting from August 15, 2023, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is set to implement a 10% withholding tax on all gross gaming winnings. This change comes as a replacement for the previous 15% Value Added Tax (VAT) rate applied to each stake. Under the new policy, the withholding tax will be levied on the earnings obtained after each winning occasion.

    The rationale behind this adjustment, according to the GRA, stems from an amendment to the Income Tax Act 2023 (No.2), specifically Act 1094.

    Edward Gyamerah, a Commissioner within the Domestic Tax Revenue Division of the GRA, emphasized that strict measures will be taken against any gaming entity that chooses to ignore this updated policy. Such non-compliant companies could face penalties, including the possibility of having their licenses revoked.

  • Let’s be serious, I am against betting – Kyei Mensah-Bonsu

    Let’s be serious, I am against betting – Kyei Mensah-Bonsu

    Parliament’s Majority Leader, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, is of the view that betting will render the Ghanaian population idle as it does not encourage hard work.

    He made this statement while responding to the 10% withholding tax on all total gaming winnings, starting on Tuesday, August 15.

    During an interview on Angel FM, a Kumasi-based radio station, the Member of Parliament for Suame advised young individuals to prioritize industriousness over gambling.

    “I don’t believe in betting. I don’t believe in luck. I believe in hard work and sweating to get money. Let’s be serious. As for me, I’m against betting coming into the country. I don’t support it because it doesn’t encourage hard work.”

    “As an individual, I don’t engage in lottery because I don’t believe in that. I don’t believe in luck. Work hard so God will bless it.”

    Starting August 15, 2023, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) will initiate the enforcement of a 10% withholding tax on all overall gaming winnings.

    The GRA has clarified that the preceding 15% Value Added Tax (VAT) rate applied to each wager will no longer be in effect. Instead, the withholding tax will be imposed on the profits generated after each successful win.

    The GRA elaborated that this adjustment aligns with the modification introduced in the Income Tax Act 2023 (No.2), Act 1094.

    Edward Gyamerah, a Commissioner within the GRA’s Domestic Tax Revenue Division, emphasized that stringent measures will be taken against any gaming company that fails to comply with the updated regulation.

    Gyamerah pointed out that companies that violate this law will face penalties, including the possibility of having their licenses rescinded.

  • 10% withholding tax on betting, lottery winnings to start on August 15

    10% withholding tax on betting, lottery winnings to start on August 15

    The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has revealed its intention to initiate the enforcement of a 10% withholding tax on all gross gaming winnings, starting from August 15, 2023.

    As outlined by the authority, the former 15% Value Added Tax (VAT) rate that was applied to each stake will no longer be in effect. Instead, the imposition of withholding tax will take place on the earnings accrued subsequent to each victory.

    The GRA went on to elaborate that this updated policy aligns with the amendment made to the Income Tax Act 2023 (No.2), Act 1094.

    Edward Gyamerah, a Commissioner of the Domestic Tax Revenue Division at the GRA, emphasized that stringent measures would be taken against any gaming company that fails to adhere to this new policy. He highlighted that firms found in violation of the law could face penalties, which might even involve the revocation of their licenses.

    “From August 15, we expect that when you are making the payments, you will withhold 10 percent to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). As you have been appointed as withholding agents, the obligation is on you to withhold”, he said.

    The GRA also disclosed a revision to the Excise Duty Act, which broadened the application of excise duty to include all fruit juices and altered rates for specific goods.

  • Betting firms pay GHS450m as tax to government in 4 years

    Betting firms pay GHS450m as tax to government in 4 years

    Data available at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), has it that betting companies have since 2019 paid an estimated GH450million to the government in various forms, including taxes and licensing fees.

    The US$100 billion global sports betting industry has significantly aided in the growth of the world economy, including Ghana, according to secretary of the Ghana Association of Sports Betting Operators (GHASBO), Dr. Kweku Ainuson, who made this announcement at a compliance workshop organized for members of the Association in Accra.

    GHASBO has urged the government, through the GRA, to reconsider the implementation date of the amended Act, which imposes a tax on all betting winnings, currently set for July 1, 2023.

    Director of Betway Ghana, Mr. Ainuson, revealed that GHASBO has written a letter to the GRA, expressing their appeal.

    Furthermore, GHASBO is actively working on establishing a self-compliance regulation mechanism to ensure that all its members adhere to the law.

    The association also expressed its willingness to provide financial support for any corporate social responsibility initiatives initiated by the Gaming Commission.

    On March 31, 2023, Parliament passed the Income Tax (Amendment) (No.2) bill, 2022 into law, reintroducing a 10 percent tax on lottery winnings that had been eliminated in 2017.

    The new tax, which affects betting and lottery winnings, will apply to domestic punters. In addition, betting companies operating in the country will face a 20 percent tax on their revenue.

    Following the law’s passage, Ghanaians expressed diverse views. While some hailed the decision as a means of generating cash for the state, others criticised it as yet an additional burden on an already over-taxed population.

    A representative of the GRA, Thomas Agorsor, said since passage of the act and its ascent into law, the Authority has not collected any taxes in winnings from operators. He however said that from July 1, 2023, operators which have failed to calibrate their system must cease operations.

    He indicated that enough of a grace period – of almost two months – has been given for operators to re-calibrate and meet the deadline.

    Currently, a total of twenty-one betting companies are operating in the country.

    Board Chairman of the Gaming Commission, Gary Nimako Marfo, stated that the outfit has instituted sufficient monitoring systems to ensure all genuine winners receive their winnings from operators.

    He urged aggrieved gamblers to address grievances to the Commission for immediate redress.

    Head of Compliance at the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), Seth Nana Amoako, said the FIC is committed to ensuring that all betting companies are compliant with anti-money laundering laws and other international standards.

    According to him, all betting companies are mandated to keep records of their customers and update the same at all times; and are expected to conduct risk assessments to ascertain delivery channels, geographical locations and customer base.

    The Data Protection Act 2000, Act 843, mandates that all betting companies are registered by the Data Protection Commission and provides for the protection of data collected by online betting companies.

    The sanctions regime of non-compliant companies is between 160 to 10,000 penalty units, in addition to 10 years imprisonment for data breaches.

    The one-day GHASBO regulatory compliance workshop powered by Betway was organised in collaboration with the Gaming Commission and Ghana Revenue Authority.

    Representatives of other stakeholders including the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Unit of the Ghana Police Service, Data Protection Commission, Financial Intelligence Centre, and Telecommunications Service Providers were in attendance.

  • Toney reacts to alleged FA leaks over gambling ban claims

    Toney reacts to alleged FA leaks over gambling ban claims

    Ivan Toney has criticized “disturbing” rumors about the FA’s planned suspension for his alleged betting rule violations.

    The English Football Association’s regulatory body has accused the Brentford striker of 262 alleged offences that occurred over a four-year span.

    There hasn’t been an official FA update on the situation, but according to initial reports published by The Daily Mail on Tuesday, Toney has admitted guilt to the majority of the allegations and might receive a six-month suspension.

    Although Toney was perplexed by rumors of leaks within the FA, the reports stated the 26-year-old has also rejected some of the breaches.

    He posted on Instagram on Wednesday: “I was shocked and disappointed to see press speculation yesterday and today about the FA investigation process concerning me after I have been told by the FA that it is a confidential process until any decision has been made.

    “It is especially disturbing for me to read that the FA is saying I shall be banned from football for six months before there has even been a hearing and it does make me worried about the process.”

    Toney earned a first England call-up in September but was left out of Gareth Southgate’s squad for the World Cup.

    FA chief executive Mark Bullingham stated that the forward’s omission from the squad in Qatar was decided on “footballing grounds”.

    Toney plans to challenge the FA after a second instance of reported leaks.

    He added: “My lawyers will be writing to the FA to request that they conduct a leak inquiry, as this is the second time stories have appeared in the newspapers – the last time was just before the selection for the England World Cup squad.

    “As I continue to be told the investigation is meant to be confidential, I am unable to provide any further comment and shall continue to concentrate on my football.”

  • Pay players well to avoid betting on matches – Nii Lantey Vanderpuye to club owners

    Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, the MP for Odododiodoo Constituency, has urged local clubs to pay their players worthy salaries to prevent them from engaging in betting schemes and match fixing.

    Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, Mr Vanderpuye expressed concern over the number of players who deliberately engage in match manipulation so they are able to earn some cash from betting companies.

    He noted that the meager salaries players are given by their management has contributed to the growth of match-fixing.

    “How do you expect the players to play in those matches? Because there are people with the betting companies who already know that a huge number of people have bet on a positive result for Kotoko or Hearts. So they tell those players and they also bet on the other side so when the result turns out, the players will be richer.

    “So players are no more playing for clubs because they love the clubs, game but because of their pocket.”

    Mr Vanderpuye therefore encouraged the various local clubs to incentivise their players adequately.

    “Mr Speaker, we must also insist that the clubs also take good care of their players. If a player is receiving GH500 a month, the player will definitely be interested. How do you expect the player to survive?

    “So it is important that our clubs also take a look at themselves (and) how they will be able to make sure that they take the welfare of the players very important to prevent those players from being influenced by these betting companies so they can influence the outcome of their matches.”

    Unlike Ghana where it is believed that players engage in betting, Europe, the MP said frowns upon such actions.

    According to him, players are sanctioned when found to be influencing the outcome of their matches or betting to earn extra cash from matches they are involved in.

    He cited the issue of Paul Scholes who was fined £8,000 for breaching the Football Association’s betting rules to buttress his point.

    “In Europe, betting is a very serious crime even though these betting companies are also sponsoring  teams. But because there are checks and balances to be able to know, they dare not try to influence results in matches outside the country.

    “In Europe if you are a player or a former player and you are caught betting in a game, you are banned. Recently an old player like Paul Scholes faced the hatchet for betting on the result of a match. But here we have players who are playing Hearts of Oak, Kotoko, Olympics and the rest betting on their own matches.”

    The former Manchester United midfielder placed 140 bets between August 2015 and 2019, contrary to FA rule E8.

    FA rule E8. 4.4 states that “a participant shall not use any information relating to football which the Participant has obtained by virtue of his or her position within the game and which is not publicly available at that time for or in relation to betting.

    One bet was on Valencia beating Barcelona and two other bets on matches involving Oldham, a month before he was appointed manager at Boundary Park, Sky Sports report.

    During the period, Scholes was a part-owner of non-League side Salford City.

    Scholes admitted fault, explaining that it was not a deliberate action since he believed there was no personal connection to the matches in question.

    “I accept last week’s ruling. I would like to apologise and I understand and fully accept the fine imposed by the FA. It was a genuine mistake and was not done with any deliberate intention to flout the rules.

    “I wrongly believed that as long as there was no personal connection between me and any of the matches that I bet upon then there would be no issue.”

    With regards to match fixing in Ghana, the Ghana Football Association discovered that Ashantigold SC had manipulated their 2020/21 Ghana Premier League Matchday 34 game against Inter Allies FC.

    The club has therefore been demoted from the Ghana Premier League to the Division Two League.

    Some players of Ashantigold SC including Stephen Owusu Banahene, Dacosta Ampem and Frank Akoto have been banned for 24 months each in accordance with 34.5(d)(i) of the Ghana Premier League Regulations 2019.

    Source: The Independent Ghana



  • I decided to leave Enyimba FC because of betting – Ex-Ghana goalkeeper Fatau Dauda

    Former Ghana goalkeeper Fatau Dauda has disclosed why he decided to leave Nigerian giants Enyimba FC few years ago.

    According to 37-year-old, most the players of Enyimba FC were involved in betting, hence he opted to leave to the club.

    He is currently without a club after leaving Ghana Premier League side Legon Cities.

    “There’s one particular reason why I decided to leave Enyimba FC. It’s all because of betting. It can completely destroy football. You know Nigeria is a big country. Sometimes, we can be on the road for two days travelling for an away game. We will go and lose a game but when we come on the bus, you will see some players happy,” Dauda told Angel TV.

    “You will see some players pressing their phones and checking scorelines of other league games. I later got to find out from one of our guys that some of the players in the team were betting on our matches. They were fixing the games and it was shocking.”

    He added, “It was the reason I decided to leave. I can’t be part of this and it was a waste of time playing in games when some people have already planned the outcome.”

    Dauda was in the Black Stars squad for the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, and was the first choice keeper for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations edition of the tournament.

    Source: Football Ghana