Former Kotoko and AshGold defender Eric Donkor has revealed that he was approached to manipulate a match during his time with Asante Kotoko.
Match-fixing allegations involving betting companies, players, and team officials have been a topic of discussion in the Ghana Premier League. This issue has adversely affected the interest of many Ghanaians and organisations willing to sponsor the domestic league.
During an interview with Akoma FM, Eric Donkor admitted that he had been solicited to influence a game, despite his previous refusals to participate in such activities.
“During my playing days, I recall being asked to personally fix a match, it involved a team that was in the relegation zone and was an away game for Kotoko but I declined it. Based on the results I received, I’m sure they called a few other players as well. I told them I wasn’t ready, so I didn’t interact with them too much. I did that because I value my integrity so much and those who know me personally know that.”
Donkor believes that match manipulation is prevalent in the league, citing instances where betting companies sponsor specific teams and players face physical assaults after matches.
“Come to think of it, betting companies are supporting league teams. Why should that be the case? Cooperation bodies want to make money from their sponsorships, so they will undoubtedly have an impact on these teams.”
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“In our league, it’s common to hear about instances of physical assault involving specific players due to bribery-related issues. It happens in the Italian league, where players are paid millions of euros, imagine how much more in the GPL, where players make an average of less than GH¢600.” He concluded.
During his time at Asante Kotoko, he clinched the Ghana FA Cup title twice and secured the Ghana Premier League championship three times.
Meanwhile, one of his former clubs AshantiGold faced relegation to Division Two of Ghana Football following an alleged match-fixing scandal that occurred a few seasons ago.
By Emmanuel Owusu|Akoma Sports|Ghana