Goldfields files for a review

Accra, Nov 20, GNA - Ashanti Goldfields Sporting Club Limited has asked the Appeals Committee of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) review its own decision to deduct 12 points from their accumulated point build up as a result of the declaration of their Cameroonian import Valentine Atem Fondongbeze as an unqualified player in their league matches against Real Tamale United (RTU) and Accra Great Olympics.

Goldfields who filed for the review on Thursday are calling on the GFA to come out clear on the case before November 23, when the league resumes.

Mr Andy Sam, Chief Executive of the Club, at a press conference in Accra on Thursday, said Goldfields on the recommendations of the GFA applied to the Minister of Interior for a three- year residence and work permit for the player to participate in the 2003 premier league.

He said the minister duly approved a two-year work/residence permit by his letter No. SCR1575/SF.193 dated July 17, 2003 and the letter asked them to inform the Director of immigration to complete the requisite formalities concerning the grant.

Mr Sam said base on the documents provided them the player was issued a license number 396028 duly signed by the chairman of the GFA and they proceeded to field the player in their matches against RTU and Olympics on 23rd July and 6th August respectively.

According to Mr Sam, the Appeals Committee in declaring the player unqualified did not give reasons for their action but only handed down conclusions adding that the matter was of public interest and that justice would prevail only if the committee revisited its decision.

He said the ruling is erroneous both in law and facts because " the player indeed possessed a valid work and residence permit at the date of registration."

Mr Sam said the committee appears to have relied unduly on the wording of article 33(4) of the GFA regulations which states that requirements for registration of a player needs a work and residence permit form the Immigration Service but stated that, the service does not issue work permit, because the issue of work permit is the exclusive right of the minister of interior.

The Chief Executive of the club said the minister had granted the player work permit and referred the grant to the Director of Immigration merely to complete formalities concerning the grant adding that the Director was not authorised to give a fresh grant but to complete the formalities.

Mr Sam said the Immigration Service letter dated August 14 conceded the grant given by the minister.

Mr Sam said there are lots of inconsistencies in the administration of the GFA and Goldfields must not be made to suffer for this stressing that the club will fight to the end to ensure that the right thing is done. GNA