Four Clubs banned & demoted

Disciplinary Committee bans Abedi
Accra, April 11, GNA - The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has declared as null and void the last matches of the just ended Zone Three National Middle League and subsequently placed a one year ban on the four Clubs for engaging in matches of convenience.

The one-year ban takes effect from the end of the current football season.

Nania FC recorded a cricket score line of 31-0 over Okwawu United whilst Great Mariners also recorded a 29-0 victory over Tudu Mighty Jets.

In addition to the one-year ban, the four clubs have been demoted to the Division Three League.

The decision follows the GFA Disciplinary Committee's findings that the two matches were fixed, hence the application of Articles 34 1(i) and (7), 35 (5) (d) and 39, (4) (9) of the GFA statutes. Officials and players of the four clubs who were found to have played a role in the games have also been affected by the ban and would also similarly serve a one year ban.

During the one-year ban, the officials will not be allowed to enter the dressing rooms, sit on benches of any football team for any match organised or sanctioned by the GFA.

The affected officials are Alhaji Sulley, Adolf Botwe, John Amponsah, John Labeh and Atta Kakra all from the camp of Okwawu United with Abedi Pele Ayew, George Lomotey, Korley Larye and Armen Brynes from Nania FC.

The others are Abrahams Lomotey, W.O Darkwa, Nortey Sowah, Nii Kwatse and Richard Ayiku from the Mariners whilst Shakiru Dauda, Nat Okunor and Nortey Sowah from Mighty Jets to complete the list. All the 22 and 24 players who played in the Nania-Okwawu and Mariners-Mighty Jets games respectively are not eligible for transfer during the period of the ban.

They are Kwame Antwi, Kwabena Boateng, David Mensah, Daniel Ackuaku, Richard Mireku, Francis Kumi, Peter Anyinator, Frank Turkson, Cudjoe F, Odoi E and Fatawu A - all from the camp of Okwawu United. Kassim Alhaji, Aminu Fuseini, Dauda Razak, Prince D, S. Sarfo, Charles Boateng, Rahim Ayew Abdul, Ebenzer Nartey, Owusu W, Ado-Boafo Lawrence and Amankwah Abraziz make up the list of the banned players from Nania FC.

Akwasi Boakye, Godspower Igban and Aryeetey Joseph of Okwawu United and C.K Abbey, Yussif Babamu and Daniel Aidoo from Naina who were all replaced in the early part of the second half of their respective games are however exonerated.

The following players from Mariners have also been affected by the ban. They are Ofori Nyarko, Emmanuel Okaine, Hamid Inusah, Dove Quaye, Geofred Hasan, Abrahma Antobaa, Nicholas Adom, Philip Boateng, Christopher Ofori, Richard Okyere, Antwi Doe, and Jerry Abbey. From the camp of Mighty Jets the affected players are Abdallah Sumaila, Abdul Razak Alhaji, Bernard Cudjoe, Micheal Nunoo, Mohamed Amiru, Gabriele Otoo, Adamu Farouck, Abdul Razak Ishmeal, Agbashie Doetse, Abubakari Issah, Salifu Mamadu and Zakari Awudu. According to reports from the Committee gathered by the GNA Sports all players who were substituted before the 63rd minute are not affected by the ban.

The four Clubs have 72 hours to appeal against the decision.