By: Kwame Bediako
The Disciplinary Committee of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has awarded a 3-0 victory to Basake Holy Stars FC after their penultimate Ghana Premier League fixture against Nations FC was abandoned. The ruling comes amid controversy surrounding the match, which was disrupted by actions attributed to Nations FC, leading to its suspension.
The committee’s verdict, signed by Chairman Osei Kwadwo Adow, Esq., found Nations FC responsible for the match disruption, leading to the forfeiture of the game. As a result, Nations’ protest challenging the abandonment was dismissed immediately, solidifying the decision in favor of Holy Stars FC.
The ruling emphasizes the severity of the actions that caused the match to be abandoned.
According to Article 33(1)(b) of the GFA Premier League Regulations, Nations FC is officially recorded as having lost the match by a 3-0 margin. This outcome provides Holy Stars FC with crucial points and an important boost in the season’s final league standings, potentially influencing their position in the table.
Furthermore, the committee imposed additional sanctions on Nations FC, including a deduction of three points from their total tally, as stipulated in Article 33(5)(a).
The disciplinary measures also include a financial penalty of GHC 2,500, with half of the fine payable directly to Holy Stars FC and the remaining amount going to the GFA, following Articles 33(5)(b).
The GFA Prosecutor has been tasked with investigating reports from match officials to identify and bring to justice those responsible for the disruption.
The committee also reminded all involved that any challenge to the decision must be submitted to the GFA Appeals Committee within 24 hours of notification, underscoring the importance of accountability in league proceedings.
