Date of Award

2012

Publication Type

Master Thesis

Degree Name

M.H.K.

Department

Kinesiology

Keywords

Effects, Factors, Ghana, Initiatives, Migration, Sports

Supervisor

Marijke Taks

Rights

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

Abstract

Migration of sport talents from developing countries has been on the increase in recent times (Cornelissen & Solberg, 2007; Elliot & Maguire, 2008; Poli, 2006a; 2006b; Thibault, 2009). Although some attention has been given to this phenomenon and the effects it has on the sending and receiving countries, not a large body of literature exists on the adverse effects of player exodus on sports systems in developing countries. With the exception of works particularly done by Darby (2000a; 2007b; 2009; Darby & Solberg, 2010) in relation to developing countries, there is no literature from major stakeholders' perspectives on the effects of the phenomenon on national leagues. The purpose of this study is to examine the stakeholders' perspectives of player migration on the sports system in the Ghana Premier League (GPL) and to identify possible solutions which will help reduce the migration of sport talents and its adverse effects on the local sports system. The study involved semi-structured interviews with thirteen stakeholders including club managers, league administrators, fan representatives, sponsors and media persons related to the GPL. The outcome of the study indicates that stakeholders generally perceive a negative effect of migration on the league. In line with the neoclassical economics theory (Massey, Arango, Hugo, Kouaouci, Pellegrino & Taylor, 1993; Todaro, 1980), financial reasons were identified as the primary factor for player migration. However, other factors such as lack of professionalism of clubs, insufficient sponsorship for the league, and inadequate infrastructures were identified as driving forces behind player migration, which is in line with the human capital and dependency theories (Gunder, 1974; Massey et al., 1993). Suggestions such as increased remuneration, increased media focus, increased professionalism by the GPL and league clubs, as well as restructuring of the local sports systems were identified as possible initiatives to minimize migration and its adverse effects on the GPL.

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