GFA slaps Kotoko, Hearts with huge fines

The Ghana FA has slapped huge fines on Hearts and Kotoko after their players refused to enter the pitch when the two sides clashed two weeks ago while some other clubs were sanctioned for various offences.

The GFA also gave its verdicts in relation to a number of cases from recent Premier League matches.

Clubs affected by the disciplinary decisions are Liberty Professionals, Asante Kotoko, Hearts of Oak, Hasaacas and New Edubiase.

All the cases are related to incidents that happened on match-day-2.

Club charged: Liberty for match-day-2 incident

Case: The referee of the above-mentioned match reported to the GFA that Liberty Professionals played in their Reserve Strip instead of their duly registered official strip contrary to Article 17(1)(a) of the Regulations even though the official strip did not clash with AshantiGold’s official strip. In the circumstance they also failed to present their duly registered official strip at the pre-match technical meeting.

Decision: In accordance with Article 17(2) of the Regulations, Liberty Professionals are liable to a fine of GH¢500.00 and a further fine of Gh¢ 1,250.00 for failing to present its registered official strip at the pre-match technical meeting in line with Article 17(4) of the Regulations.

Clubs charged: Kotoko and Hearts for match-day-2 incident

Case: Before the start of the game, as the officiating officials, Match Commissioner and General Match Coordinator lined up behind the ball boys from the tunnel unto the field of play, both Hearts and Kotoko team players’ (eleven each) halted at the touchline leaving them and the ball boys to continue alone contrary to Article 23 (4) a.&b.

The players’ numbering 22 later joined the officials on the half way line for the exchange of sportsmanship/fair play formalities.

Decision: In accordance with Article 23(4)(c), all the eleven players’ of both team’s totaling 22 are liable to a fine of GH¢ 750.00 each.

NB: Article 39(8)(b) of the GFA Rules and Regulations states inter alia “without prejudice to any provision in these regulations to the contrary, a club shall pay all fines and costs imposed on it not later than 14 days excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Public holidays after such fines or costs have been communicated to it in writing by the Association. A club that fails to pay its fines or costs as stipulated above shall forfeit its subsequent matches until such time the fines and/or costs are paid.”

Club charged: Hasaacas for match-day-2 incident

Case: The referee of the above-mentioned match has reported to the GFA that Sekondi Hasaacas played in their Reserve Strip instead of their duly registered official strip contrary to Article 17(1)(a) of the Regulations even though the official strip did not clash with Dwarf’s official strip. In the circumstance they also failed to present their duly registered official strip at the pre-match technical meeting.

Decision: In accordance with Article 17(2) of the Regulations, Sekondi Hasaacas are liable to a fine of GH¢500.00 and a further fine of Gh¢ 1,250.00 for failing to present its registered official strip at the pre-match technical meeting in line with Article 17(4) of the Regulations.

Club charged: Edubiase for match-day-2 incident

Case: Report has it that players’ of New Edubiase rushed, threatened and verbally assaulted the Match Officials after the final whistle. The players’ were reported to be in jersey numbers 36, 16, 33, 31, 3, 20, 8, 24, 19 and 25

Decision: In accordance with Article 35(3)(c), the players are liable to a fine of GH¢ 500.00 each totaling GH¢5,000.00.