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Date
2015-5
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Abstract
Sportsmen in general and footballers in particular earn significant amounts of money during their active careers especially in Europe and America. Indeed, it is against this backdrop that they have earned notoriety of living lavish lifestyles. Unfortunately, in the Ghana Premier League, footballers struggle to make ends meet. Not only are their wages low, the conditions under which they ply their trade leaves much to be desired. To make things even more difficult, a football career does not last generally as long as traditional employment such as teaching or farming. Thus footballers more than other employees need to secure their post retirement lives with a sense of urgency.
However, this is easier said than done as footballer retirement planning is typically difficult because of the uncertainties of injuries and the short duration of the career.
This work is an exploration of footballer retirement planning in Ghana, taking particular interest in pension scheme structures and how social security scheme can protect footballers in their retirement. The scope of this research was Ghanaian footballers playing in the Ghana Premier League. The research is primarily qualitative in nature. Data was obtained from both primary and secondary sources and data collection was done via interviews and document study.
Analysis of collected data was done using descriptive and content analysis. From the data, it was found that more attention needs to be directed towards footballer welfare in general but particularly player retirement planning. There is indeed a current process registering all the clubs of the Premier league unto Ghana’s Social Security and
National Investment Trust (SSNIT). However, for a better sustainable and more impactful solution, a few recommendations were made. Education was seen to be a major differentiating factor among retired footballers. A social support system that gives direction overtly or otherwise was also found to be of great help. Player unionization and enforcement of already existing labor laws were essential for fully claiming their rights. Also, a specially administered pension and insurance fund tailored toward footballer needs and nuances was suggested. Psychologists and other consultants need to be part of mainstream football management.
Description
Sportsmen in general and footballers in particular earn significant amounts of money during their active careers especially in Europe and America. Indeed, it is against this backdrop that they have earned notoriety of living lavish lifestyles. Unfortunately, in the Ghana Premier League, footballers struggle to make ends meet. Not only are their wages low, the conditions under which they ply their trade leaves much to be desired. To make things even more difficult, a football career does not last generally as long as traditional employment such as teaching or farming. Thus footballers more than other employees need to secure their post retirement lives with a sense of urgency.
However, this is easier said than done as footballer retirement planning is typically difficult because of the uncertainties of injuries and the short duration of the career.
This work is an exploration of footballer retirement planning in Ghana, taking particular interest in pension scheme structures and how social security scheme can protect footballers in their retirement. The scope of this research was Ghanaian footballers playing in the Ghana Premier League. The research is primarily qualitative in nature. Data was obtained from both primary and secondary sources and data collection was done via interviews and document study.
Analysis of collected data was done using descriptive and content analysis. From the data, it was found that more attention needs to be directed towards footballer welfare in general but particularly player retirement planning. There is indeed a current process registering all the clubs of the Premier league unto Ghana’s Social Security and
National Investment Trust (SSNIT). However, for a better sustainable and more impactful solution, a few recommendations were made. Education was seen to be a major differentiating factor among retired footballers. A social support system that gives direction overtly or otherwise was also found to be of great help. Player unionization and enforcement of already existing labor laws were essential for fully claiming their rights. Also, a specially administered pension and insurance fund tailored toward footballer needs and nuances was suggested. Psychologists and other consultants need to be part of mainstream football management.
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Keywords
Ghana, football players, retirement planning, SSNIT, Ghana Premier League