Former defender for Asante Kotoko Eric Donkor has disclosed being once asked to fix a game involving the Porcupine Warriors.
There has been talk of match-fixing by betting companies, players, and team officials in the Ghana Premier League.
The interest of many Ghanaians and corporate bodies in sponsoring the domestic league has been impacted by this.
In an interview on Akoma FM, Eric Donkor, who also played for AshantiGold SC, acknowledged that he had been instructed to fix a game, though he rejected the offer.
“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.”
Eric continues to maintain his belief that match manipulation occurs in the domestic league to the extent that betting companies sponsor some teams and players.
“Come to think of it, betting companies are supporting league teams. Why should that be the case? Corporate bodies want to make money from their sponsorships, so they will undoubtedly have an impact on these teams.
“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.”
Asante Kotoko and Ashanti Gold are rival teams that Eric has played for.
During his tenure at Asante Kotoko, he won the Ghana FA Cup twice and the Ghana Premier League three times.
By Emmanuel Owusu|Akoma Sports|Onuaonline.com|Ghana
