The National Sports Council, (NSC), and the umbrella group for local football clubs in Ghana, Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA), appear to be heading for a collision course over the costs for using the country’s stadia. A Graphic Sports report said, the NSC insists on charging 20% of gross earnings from gate proceeds and the charge cuts across all NSC facilities in the country. The NSC will charge 10% of gross proceeds from gate fees for maintenance and sustenance of stadia, and another 10% for utility services. In the previous seasons, only 10% was charged. The matter became the subject of discussions when the executive of the GHALCA called on the Chief Executive of the NSC, Prince Oduro-Mensah last Thursday to fraternize with the Council. Chairman of the GHALCA told the Graphic Sports that the new charges were extremely expensive and could further suffocate the already impoverished clubs. "We have asked for an official communication of the new charges to enable us state our position accordingly. In the interim, however, we feel anything beyond the previous charges (10 per cent) will injure the financial situation of the clubs who are already suffering," Mr Adotey said. "How much do clubs earn from the gates that we should be subjected to such high charges on proceeds?" the GHALCA boss asked. This view is supported by King Faisal boss, Alhaji Karim Gruzah, who said the proposed charges could not be fair to the clubs. "As far as I know, GHALCA has not communi¬cated this to us officially, but I can assure you that we will oppose this view since it is very unfair to the clubs. "Make a record check at the gates and see how much the clubs earn on the average. Then you can imagine the hardship they want to inflict on the clubs," Alhaji Gruzah said. But the NSC boss said the issue could be revisited. He told the Graphic Sports on Monday that the new charges have become necessary to maintain the facilities to ensure their continued usage by the clubs over the years. Mr Oduro-Mensah, however, said the intent of his outfit was not to drain the clubs financially, but to offer a chance of maintaining the very facilities upon which their football thrives. "We are concerned about how the facilities will be there for the clubs over the years to ensure sus¬tained development. This is the intent and not a desire to milk the clubs dry," he said. The clubs pay 12 per cent of gate proceeds to the Ghana Football Association, two-and-a-half per cent to their umbrella body, GHALCA, and five per cent to the Professional League Board. Source: Graphic Sports