The National Sports Authority (NSA) has distanced itself from the ticket brouhaha during the Michael Essien Peace Charity match.
Tickets for the Africa XI versus World XI match were said to have been sold at inflated prizes by individuals, who acquired them in advance, but the Sports Authority insists it played no part in the organization of last Wednesday’s match played at the Ohene Djan Stadium, Accra.
Most curious fans had no option than to pay for the tickets at their inflated and overprice rates whilst others returned home disappointingly.
Meanwhile, a document sighted by the GNA Sports relating to the game absolves the NSA of any blame with respect to ticketing as it was solely within the domain of the organizers, Pure Persona.
According to the document, the organizers were solely responsible for the sale of tickets since the game was a private match.
“The sale of tickets is your own private affair and you are solely responsible and in charge of it. You may, however, use the staff of the Council if the officers concerned agree to assist you by the use of their expertise and experience in the sale of match tickets.
“You are to note that this is at your own risk and the Council will not be held liable for any lapses that may occur with this decision,” the NSA noted in a correspondence with the organizers.
The NSA added that the organizers were to pay for the cost of services that it incurs in the course of the match.
“You are also to pay tax according to the Tax regulations of the country. The Internal Revenue Service will be around to collect the statutory tax deductions.”
According to the NSA, it notified the organizers of its preparedness to give a 50 percent waiver off the constant 20,000 Ghana cedis for the usage of the National Stadium.
Despite the ticket related problems, the match witnessed one of the biggest crowds ever at the Ohene Djan stadium with every seat and corner filled to capacity by an enthusiastic crowd just to catch a glimpse of the world football stars.
On parade to trill the fans were three former Africa Footballers of the year - Rabah Madger of Algeria, Kalusha Bwalya of Zambia and Didier Drogba of Cote D’Ivoire as well as European greats made up of Ashley Cole, Florent Malouda and Salomon Kalou as well as former players Freddy Ljumberg, one time Arsenal player, Smith Scott, Nick Hamann, Daniel Amokachi and Yakubu Ayigbeni and Nwankwo Kanu.
The presence of Ghanaian former greats Anthony Yeboah, Stephen Baidoo, Yaw Preko, Samuel Kuffour, Augustine Ahinful and Stephen Appiah, Quincy Owusu-Abayie Asamaoh Gyan John Mensah, Samuel Incoom, national keeper Richard ‘Olele’ Kingson and Michael Essien spiced up the game.
Source: GNA
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