Benjamin Asare has established himself as Ghana's top goalkeeper since 2024. The Phobians' veteran goalkeeper has impressed all coaches and footba
Benjamin Asare has established himself as Ghana’s top goalkeeper since 2024. The Phobians’ veteran goalkeeper has impressed all coaches and football fans across Ghana with his goalkeeping skills, which have helped him become a regular for the Black Stars.
It was clear that the 33-year-old former Accra Great Olympics shot stopper was going to be included in whoever takes charge of the team to the World Cup.
Otto Addo made Asare his number one in the home stretch of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Ati-Zigi was relegated to the bench with Asare commanding the number one spot.
Now, Otto Addo has been sacked; Queiroz is in charge; therefore, the role is now up for grabs among the two.
Benjamin Asare’s inclusion in Carlos Queiroz’s squad for the tournament was unsurprising, and it will fetch Accra Hearts of Oak at least $250,000.
How will Hearts of Oak earn the money?
Under the programme, FIFA compensates clubs for releasing players to represent their countries at the World Cup.
Clubs receive approximately $11,000 per day for each player released, starting 10 days before the tournament’s opening match and running until the day after their nation’s elimination.
Should Ghana exit at the group stage, Hearts of Oak are still guaranteed a minimum payout of around $250,000 for Asare’s involvement — a figure that rises the deeper the Black Stars advance.
Notably, compensation is tied to participation, not playing time.
Clubs receive equal payment whether their player is a first-choice starter or an unused substitute, meaning Hearts of Oak stand to benefit regardless of how much game time Asare accumulates.
The Club Benefits Programme was established through an agreement between FIFA and the European Club Association and was renewed in 2023 to cover the 2023–2026 football cycle.
It was designed to reward clubs for their investment in player development and their cooperation in releasing players for international duty.
How many local players are in Ghana’s squad?
Benjamin Asare is the only player in Carlos Quieroz’s squad who plies his trade in the Ghana Premier League. Journalists and connoisseurs of Ghanaian football have been campaigning for at least five slots in major tournaments for the Ghana Premier League in a bid to financially improve them.
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