GFA Increases Referee Match Fees and Introduces Unprecedented Welfare Package for 2025/26 Season

August 13, 2025

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GFA referee welfare 2025/26 – Ghanaian referees are set to enjoy the most comprehensive welfare and pay package in the nation’s football history as the Ghana Football Association (GFA) rolls out sweeping reforms for the 2025/26 season. This groundbreaking move, announced by GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku during the 31st Ordinary Congress in Prampram, aims to professionalise officiating, improve match integrity, and safeguard the wellbeing of referees across all top competitions.

Record-Breaking Pay Rise for Referees

GFA referee welfare 2025/26 – In a landmark decision, the GFA has approved a major increase in match fees for referees in the Ghana Premier League (GPL), Division One League (DoL), and Women’s Premier League (WPL).

Under the new structure, FIFA-accredited referees officiating GPL games will receive ₵2,500 per match, reflecting the premium placed on their international certification and experience. Non-FIFA referees handling Premier League matches will be paid ₵2,000 per game, while officials in the DoL and WPL will each receive ₵1,000 per match.

This tiered payment system is designed to reward referees based on their qualifications and the level of competition, ensuring fairness and motivation across the board.

Comprehensive Insurance and Welfare Package

GFA referee welfare 2025/26 – For the first time in Ghanaian football history, all 280 referees in the GPL, DoL, and WPL will be covered by an extensive insurance policy. This package includes Group Life Cover, Critical Illness, Permanent Disability, Medical Expenses, and Workmen’s Compensation.

Referees will also benefit from additional provisions such as spouse, child, and parent benefits, plus funeral support. Match commissioners are expected to be included in this scheme from the 2026/27 season.

The welfare package extends beyond insurance, with each referee receiving two pairs of boots, three full uniform sets in different colours, and three warm-up outfits per season.

The GFA will maintain its partnership with the State Transport Company (STC), giving referees a 50% travel discount when travelling for match duties. This measure aims to ease the financial burden on officials and ensure they can focus fully on their roles.

Tackling Hooliganism and Protecting Referees

GFA referee welfare 2025/26 – While hooliganism in Ghanaian football has decreased significantly, President Simeon-Okraku expressed concern over the lingering incidents of physical and verbal abuse directed at referees by players, officials, and supporters.

“We must take a united stand, as a football family, to protect our referees and uphold the values of discipline, respect, and fair play,” he urged.

The GFA will continue working closely with clubs, security agencies, and fans to clamp down on such behaviours, ensuring match venues remain safe for all stakeholders.

Future Plans: VAR and Professionalisation

GFA referee welfare 2025/26 – The GFA is exploring the gradual introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in collaboration with CAF, FIFA, and other partners. This move aims to improve decision-making accuracy, reduce officiating controversies, and further strengthen trust in Ghanaian football.

Additionally, from the 2025/26 season, the Standard Player Contract will become mandatory for all players, ensuring better labour protection and professionalism within the game.

Broader Achievements and Ongoing Development

Beyond refereeing reforms, the GFA has recorded several successes over the past year:

International representation: FC Samartex in the CAF Champions League and Nsoatreman FC in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Youth and women’s success: The U-15 girls’ team won gold at both zonal and continental CAF African Schools Football Championships, while the Black Queens secured bronze at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Domestic stability: All national competitions were completed for the sixth straight season.

Capacity building: Over 750 coaches and 2,561 young referees trained through the “Catch Them Young” policy.

Upgraded Facilities and Club Support

The Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram is undergoing major upgrades, including new natural grass pitches, a multi-purpose court, gym, and a forthcoming 40-bed accommodation facility.

Through the Bus Acquisition Strategy, 13 buses have been presented to Division One and Women’s Premier League champions, while eight pickup trucks have been given to Regional Football Associations.

Financial Sustainability Proposals

President Okraku also called for reforms to boost football financing in Ghana. These proposals include:

Allowing regulated alcoholic beverage sponsorships to mirror global football partnerships.

Redistributing betting tax revenue to fund football development.

VAT reductions for football clubs.

Tax exemptions on football equipment.

Corporate tax incentives for sponsors.

A Call for Unity

Describing referees as the “unseen backbone” of the sport, Okraku emphasised that the success of Ghana football rests on the unity of all stakeholders.

“The strength of Ghana football lies in the unity of its stakeholders. Let us protect the integrity of the game, develop our talents, support our clubs, and raise the standard of our competitions,” he concluded.