RULING OF THE WESTERN REGIONAL FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION (WRFA) DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE ON 11TH JUNE, 2024 AT THE WRFA OFFICE, SEKONDI

CASE: 27

MATCH: KING BOBO FC VRS NEW YORK FC

DATE: 25TH FEBRUARY 2024

VENUE: NEW NZULEZU PARK

 

MEMBERS PRESENT

CONSTANTINE K. M. KUDZEDZI, ESQ CHAIRMAN

PETER KOJO BAIDOO, ESQ VICE CHAIRMAN

 

BRIEF FACTS

The Committee investigated why the match came to an abrupt end.

EVIDENCE

King Bobo FC verses New York FC Match played on the 25th February 2024 came to an abrupt end. Both teams failed to lodge a protest with the WRFA.

The Committee examined the Referee’s Report as well as the Match Commissioner’s Report and also conducted its own independent investigations.

ANALYSIS OF EVIDENCE

It must be noted that per Article 33(12)(b) of the Regulations, the burden of proof is on the protesting club. However, none of the clubs filed a protest in respect of this match.

Again, Article 35(9) (a)-(d) mandates the Disciplinary Committee to consider the Statement and/or Evidence of the parties and deliver judgement immediately.

In his report, the referee for the match Ebenezer Nickson stated that in the Eighty Third (83rd) minute of the match, players Fatau Dawda (No.18) and Baba Mbila Issifu (No.5) invaded the pitch, attacked the Assistant Referee II after he had flagged for a penalty in favour of King Bobo FC when a player of New York FC had handled the ball in the eighteen-yard box. The Referee indicated again that it took the intervention of the security officers on duty to rescue the Assistant Referee II from the two players. The pitch was eventually invaded by the supporters of New York FC with some throwing bottled and sachet water onto the field and also at the officials who were still on the pitch. He again indicated that the match was put on hold for more than thirty minutes before it was called off at exactly 1:15pm because of the pitch that had been invaded.

This incidence was corroborated by the Match Commissioner, Aikins Narchiah Titus in his report of the match.

FINDINGS

  1. The pitch was invaded by Fatau Dawda and Baba Mbila Issifu, players of New York FC.
  2. The Assistant Referee II was attacked by Fatau Dawda and Baba Mbila Issifu.
  3. The pitch was invaded by the supporters of New York FC.
  4. King Bobo FC failed to file a protest against New York FC contrary to Article 33(6) of the regulations for the award of points.

 

DECISION

The Committee holds New York FC responsible for its supporters who initiated an act responsible for the abrupt end of the match contrary to Articles 33(1)(b) and 34(4) of the Regulations.

 

SANCTIONS

Per Article 33(1)(b) of the Regulations, New York FC shall forfeit the match.

In line with Article 33(11) of the Regulations, New York FC is considered as having lost the match.

Further, in accordance with Article 33(5)(a) of the Regulations, New York FC shall lose three (3) points from the accumulated points.

Also, per Article 33(5) (b) of the Regulations, New York FC shall pay a fine of One Thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢1000.00), 50% of which shall go to King Bobo FC.

Further, per Article 34(1) (a) of the Regulations, Fatau Dawda and Baba Mbila Issifu shall pay a fine of One Thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢1000.00) each for attacking an official and invading the pitch.

For the avoidance of doubt all fines shall be paid within Fourteen (14) days of receipt of this ruling as provided for by the Western Regional Football Association’s Administration Instructions governing the conduct of the Second Division League.

 

DATED AT WRFA OFFICES, SEKONDI THIS 11TH JUNE, 2024.

CONSTANTINE K. M. KUDZEDZI, ESQ (CHAIRMAN)