The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially terminated negotiations with Chinese broadcaster StarTimes over the renewal of the media rights deal that expired at the end of the 2023/24 football season.

In a statement issued on Thursday, May 22, 2025, the GFA disclosed that all discussions with StarTimes ceased in March after both parties failed to reach a consensus on the terms for a new agreement. The development effectively ends the broadcaster’s association with Ghanaian football after several years as the official rights holder.

“As a result of this development, GFA officially notified StarTimes of the situation and is currently demanding an outstanding debt of USD 842,173.36 due the Association from the previous agreement,” the GFA said.

The Association added that it has engaged legal counsel and “commenced formal processes to recover the outstanding debt owed by StarTimes.”

The GFA had been in talks with StarTimes following the conclusion of the prior contract but noted that the parties could not agree on the terms for renewal. No further details were given regarding the nature of the disagreement, but sources suggest it may have involved valuation and revenue-sharing terms.

In the statement, the GFA reaffirmed its commitment to establishing a new broadcast arrangement that will serve the broader interest of Ghanaian football stakeholders.

“The Association remains committed to securing a transparent, fair, and mutually beneficial media partnership that aligns with the interests of our clubs, the Association, and our stakeholders,” the statement read.

The collapse of negotiations with StarTimes leaves a void in the media coverage of Ghana’s top-flight football leagues, and the GFA is now expected to explore alternative broadcast partnerships ahead of the new season.