Former Kumasi Asante Kotoko SC captain, Eric Donkor, revealed a disturbing aspect of football during his time with the club. He disclosed being approached to fix a game, shedding light on the dark side of the sport.
“During my playing days,” Donkor recounted, “I recall being asked to personally fix a match. It involved a team in the relegation zone, and it was an away game for Kotoko, but I declined it.” His refusal reflected a commitment to integrity that he holds dear. “I value my integrity so much,” he emphasized, “and those who know me personally know that.”
Reflecting on the broader context, Donkor questioned the intertwining of betting companies with league teams. “Betting companies are supporting league teams,” he remarked. “Why should that be the case?” He highlighted the potential influence such partnerships could have on teams, given the financial stakes involved.
Donkor didn’t shy away from addressing the prevalence of bribery-related issues in the league. “In our league,” he pointed out, “it’s common to hear about instances of physical assault involving specific players due to bribery-related issues.”
Drawing a comparison to more financially lucrative leagues like the Italian Serie A, he underscored the stark difference in earnings, emphasizing the vulnerability of players in leagues like the Ghana Premier League (GPL), where average salaries are significantly lower.
Eric Donkor’s revelations on Akoma 87.9 FM shed light on the challenges and ethical dilemmas faced by footballers, urging stakeholders to address these issues to safeguard the integrity of the sport.”
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