Medeama SC head coach Ibrahim Tanko has issued a strong warning to footballers, urging them to steer clear of match-fixing, stressing the long-term damage it can cause to their careers.
In an interview on Medeama FM, the former Black Stars assistant coach cautioned players against engaging in any form of match manipulation, stating that such actions not only undermine the integrity of the sport but also risk destroying the future of the very individuals involved.
“I advise players to stay away from match-fixing because it is dangerous for your career as a player,” Tanko stated. “If someone spends a lot on his team and you decide to fix a game as a player, it will be bad for your career.”
Tanko’s comments come at a time when concerns about the integrity of football matches have resurfaced in the Ghana Premier League. With increasing pressure from betting syndicates and limited financial opportunities, some players have reportedly been lured into unethical practices. Tanko believes education and personal discipline are crucial in curbing the menace.
He emphasized the sacrifices made by club owners and managers in running football teams and called on players to reciprocate that effort with professionalism and commitment.
“Owners invest heavily in their teams. It’s unfair and ungrateful for a player to compromise a match. You’re not only letting your team down—you’re damaging your own future,” he added.
Tanko, who has coached both locally and internationally, remains an influential voice in Ghanaian football. His call adds to the growing advocacy among stakeholders for stricter enforcement and education to tackle the threat of match-fixing.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has recently stepped up its efforts in fighting match manipulation, launching campaigns to sensitize players, clubs, and referees on the dangers of betting-related corruption.
