“A little drama is good for the game”- Wilson Arthur embraces FA Cup final controversy

Chairman of the MTN FA Cup committee, Wilson Arthur, says he welcomes the controversy surrounding this year’s final, claiming it has given the competition a major publicity boost.

Asante Kotoko clinched a record 10th FA Cup title after being awarded a hotly debated penalty, following an alleged foul by Nsoatreman defender Kelvin Saaba on striker Kwame Poku. The decision has sparked intense debate among fans and pundits online.

Speaking after the final, Arthur said the drama is part of what makes football attractive.

Asante Kotoko penalty incident against Golden Kick . pic.twitter.com/XV4O1S8XaH

— Shaban Mohammed (@ShabanMo9) June 15, 2025

You know, I used to be the marketing manager for Media No. 1, which later became Metro TV. They would always ask me to preview TV jingles before sending them to clients ; and one of the things I always looked out for was controversy. A little bit of controversy is good

According to him, the spotlight on the final is good for the MTN FA Cup and could drive greater interest in the next edition.

This match is trending because of the penalty. People ask me, ‘Did you see the penalty?’ I didn’t even see it. But that’s the beauty of it. Social media buzzes, people talk. Even with VAR, we still get controversial decisions.

Arthur believes that while the decision on the day may divide opinion, the conversation around it only helps to grow the brand of the FA Cup.

Kotoko’s victory not only hands them domestic silverware but also a place in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup, as they aim to make a mark on the continental stage.