Why is the Ghana FA using Kipsta footballs in Division One League Super Cup instead of Macron? Kipsta balls enjoying free mileage on television and social media

The Ghana FA has approved the usage of Kipsta footballs in the maiden edition of the Division One League Super Cup instead of Macron Ghana football.

Macron Ghana has a running contract with the Ghanaian football governing body but Decathlon, who has no official contract with the Ghana FA, is enjoying mileage, promotions, and marketing free of charge from the Ghana FA.

Traditional clubs like Bofoakwa Tano, Berekum Arsenal, Real Tamale United, Samartex FC, and Bibiani Gold Stars command great numbers in Ghana and are drawing massive eyeballs on the television screens which means Decathlon is enjoying mileage they paid nothing for.

The games are receiving live television coverage on Max TV while the official social media handles of the Ghana FA and several of its wings, clubs, and private media outlets are giving hype to competition.

A number of organisations have partnered with the Ghana FA to bring the best of experience to Ghanaian football fans.

One key question that has bothered the minds of fans and dominated the talking points at the venue is the matchday balls. Kipsta footballs, manufactured by football kits manufacturers Decathlon, are the balls being used for the competition.

Meanwhile, in August 2020, the Ghana FA on their website announced a partnership deal with Macron Ghana to become its’s Official Match ball sponsor.

According to the publication on the GFA’s website, the deal was valued at One Million Six Hundred Thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢1.6m) and is for the next three seasons.

“Macron will be the official Match Ball partner for three of our products, i.e. Ghana Premier League, MTN FA Cup, and the National Division One League,” the statement added.

Why is the Ghana FA not using Macron Ghana balls for the competition and is rather using footballs from a company that has made no financial or logistical commitment to either the football association or the competition? There is no advertising space for Decathlon on any of the pitch panels on display at the Madina venue which clearly confirms that they are not one of the sponsors for the competition.

Aside from the marketing benefits and the issues around the usage of the Kipsta balls, if you speak to an expert or any footballer who knows his job on the field, you will find out that the nature of the matchday ball really matters. Clearly, Macron balls and Kipsta balls are different. Did the organisers consider the fact that clubs participating in the competition are using the games as pre-season and the impact of the change of balls when they have to revert to the use of Macron balls when the season starts?