Posted by Broadcast right holders of the Ghana Premier League, StarTimes Ghana has implored fans of Asante Kotoko to keep calm and enjoy the Premier league games on their platform as they try to resolve their differences with the Porcupine Warriors.
The tension between Asante Kotoko and StarTimes started when Kotoko were stopped from filming the game against Techiman Eleven Wonders with their VEO device. It has further resulted in a row with the Ghana FA.
According to the GFA, StarTimes has the sole right for the league and hence clubs including Kotoko must go to the Chinese-owned firm if they need videos of their matches.
With the situation causing a lot of tension in the country, StarTimes has through a Twitter post which is now deleted called for calm from supporters of Asante Kotoko.
“We understand the sentiments of all Asante Kotoko fans but we implore you to stay calm and enjoy the GPL on StarTimes.
“The Ghana Football Association will handle the trending issue while we endeavour to bring you the best coverage of THE ONLY LEAGUE THAT MATTERS,” a post on the Twitter page of StarTimes read.
Tension over the matter continues to intensify. Kotoko in a letter released earlier today warned that it will pay back the $5,000 it has received from TV broadcast holders StarTimes and prevent them from taken coverage of their matches.
“Should you continue to insist on this absurd, primitive and backward approach to the development of the game, we would instruct you to furnish us with your account details in which we would refund the $5,000 out of the $15,000 you were supposed to pay to clubs as sponsorship packages from StarTimes and also instruct you of our decision to cease dealing with StarTimes,” part of an explosive letter read.
“In your letter, you states that filming of matches infringes on your contractual obligation with StarTimes Ghana. To this end, we wish to request a copy of the contract between the GFA and and StarTimes to enable us ascertain our rights and obligations and the relevant breaches with regards to clubs filming their matches.
“If we do not receive our copy of the contract by Monday November 23rd, we would not be in a position to honour any obligations towards StarTimes since we cannot honour obligations without knowing our rights,” the letter added.
MahamaShaibu.com will keep update on new developments relating to the issue.