President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku has announced the formal approval of the GFA Standard Player Contract, a landmark reform set to take effect from the 2025/26 football season.
“Dear Members of Congress, it is with a deep sense of responsibility that I announce the formal approval of the GFA Standard Player Contract, set to take effect from the 2025/26 football season,” he stated.
The new contract is the result of extensive collaboration between the Ghana Football Association, the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG) and other key stakeholders. Over the past seasons, the GFA engaged in what the President described as “thoughtful, inclusive dialogue, drawing on the collective expertise of all stakeholders to shape a document that reflects the evolving needs of our game.”
The Standard Player Contract will now serve as the official template for all professional player signings in the Ghana Premier League, the Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League and the Access Bank Division One League.
“Our primary goal with this contract is clear — to enhance the welfare of our players,” the GFA President emphasised. “It codifies essential rights and obligations, establishes minimum standards and introduces greater clarity and fairness into player-club relationships. With this move, we are laying the foundation for more transparent, secure and legally sound engagements, thereby reducing the risk of disputes and fostering a healthier football ecosystem.”
A transitional period has been provided to ensure smooth implementation, with existing contracts allowed to run their course. However, all new signings from the 2025/26 season will be required to use the newly approved template.
The President stressed that this reform represents an important starting point rather than a final destination. “The Standard Player Contract will evolve with time, and we remain committed to reviewing and refining it to reflect the best practices and realities of our game,” he concluded.
The introduction of the Standard Player Contract marks a significant step in the professionalisation of Ghanaian football and is expected to improve player welfare, contract clarity and overall trust within the game.
GFA Communications
