By Kwame Bediako
FIFA has begun disciplinary proceedings against the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for failing to adhere to a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling. An official letter from FIFA’s Legal and Compliance Division, dated June 3, 2025, indicates that the GFA did not fully comply with the CAS decision, which is a violation of FIFA’s disciplinary code. The case centers on the GFA’s alleged failure to enforce a payment order issued by CAS.
The dispute arose after CAS ordered Hearts of Oak to pay Francis Adjetey on February 26, 2025. Despite the ruling, the GFA reportedly did not ensure the enforcement of this decision. FIFA’s investigation concluded that the GFA’s inaction potentially breaches Article 21 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which mandates respect for decisions passed by FIFA and CAS. As a result, FIFA has taken steps to address the non-compliance.
FIFA’s proposed sanctions include a financial penalty, requiring the GFA to pay CHF 1,000 in arbitration costs within 30 days. The letter warns that failure to meet this deadline would result in the withholding of 20% of the next FIFA Forward instalment due to the GFA. If the GFA continues to default, additional sanctions could be imposed, including further withholding of funds and referral to FIFA’s disciplinary committee for more severe measures.
The GFA has been given the opportunity to respond, either by accepting the proposed sanction or submitting a defense within five days. They can also appoint legal representation by uploading a Power of Attorney through FIFA’s legal portal. If no response is received or the GFA accepts the sanctions, the measures will become final and binding, with FIFA emphasising that these actions do not prejudice any future disciplinary decisions.
