By Kwame Bediako
Accra Hearts of Oak have been slapped with charges by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for violating key safety and security regulations.
The allegations stem from their recent Ghana Premier League match against Young Apostles FC at the University of Ghana Stadium, which Hearts won 2-0 on Saturday, March 8, 2025.
The club is accused of breaching Article 8(e) of the GFA Enhanced Matchday Safety and Security Protocols, 2025, and Article 34(6)(d) of the GFA Ghana Premier League Regulations, 2019.
The violations reportedly occurred when Hearts permitted unaccredited individuals, primarily their supporters, into the Safe Zone, an area strictly reserved for authorised personnel. This breach is considered a serious compromise of security protocols, as the Safe Zone is designed to ensure the safety of players, officials, and staff.
The GFA has emphasised that such actions not only undermine security measures but also constitute misconduct, tarnishing the reputation of the game. Hearts of Oak has until Tuesday, March 11, 2025, to submit a formal response to these charges.
With the league’s reputation at stake, the GFA’s decision will set a precedent for how strictly these rules are enforced in the future. The Phobians, as Hearts are affectionately known, will need to navigate this challenge carefully to avoid further complications in their Premier League campaign.
