Invest in sports infrastructure, not World Cup fan sponsorship

Ketu North MP, Eric Edem Agbana, has called on the government to prioritise the development of sports infrastructure rather than spending public funds to sponsor supporters to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to the legislator, funding trips for fans to attend the global football tournament would impose a significant financial burden on the state while benefiting only a limited number of individuals.

He argued that the same resources could instead be channelled into developing sports facilities that would benefit communities across the country.

Mr Agbana explained that transporting even a modest number of supporters to the competition could involve considerable expenditure.

He estimated that the government might spend about $9,000 per supporter for the group stage alone, covering travel, match tickets, accommodation, and basic allowances.

He further suggested that if the government were to sponsor about 2,000 supporters, the total cost could reach approximately $ 18 million.

In his view, such an amount could be better utilised to build sports infrastructure, such as AstroTurf pitches or community sports complexes, across the country.

“If you ask me to bring even 10 people from Ketu North to go to the World Cup and you will spend close to $90,000, I will tell you that please use that to construct an AstroTurf or a sports complex for me in Ketu North,” he said. Mr Agbana made the remarks during an interview on Citi FM on Monday, March 9.

He added, however, that he would not oppose the initiative if it were financed by private-sector partners rather than government resources, stressing that public funds should be directed towards long-term sports development.

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