RULING OF THE WESTERN REGIONAL FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION (WRFA) DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE ON 11TH JUNE, 2024 AT THE WRFA OFFICE, SEKONDI
CASE 28:
MATCH: DETERMINATION FC VRS SUKUSUKU FC
DATE: 3RD MARCH 2024
VENUE: AJOAFUA TOWN 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
Determination FC verses Sukusuku FC Match played on the 3rd March 2024 came to an abrupt end. Both teams failed to lodge a protest with the WRFA.
The Committee examined the Referee’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 Moses Andy Donkor stated that in the fifteenth (15th) minutes Sukusuku FC walked off the pitch and did not show up for the match to continue. After over thirty (30) minutes of waiting on the field, the match was abandoned and brought to an end.
FINDINGS
- Sukusuku FC walked off the field.
- Sukusuku FC did not turn up again for the continuation of the match.
- Determination FC failed to file a protest against Sukusuku FC contrary to Article 33(6) of the regulations for the award of points.
DECISION
The Committee holds Sukusuku FC responsible for the abrupt end of the match contrary to Articles 33(1)(a) of the Regulations.
SANCTIONS
- Per Article 33(1)(a) of the Regulations, Sukusuku FC shall forfeit the match.
- In line with Article 33(11) of the Regulations, Sukusuku FC is considered as having lost the match.
- Further, in accordance with Article 33(5)(a) of the Regulations, Sukusuku FC shall lose three (3) points from the accumulated points.
- Also, per Article 33(5) (b) of the Regulations, Sukusuku FC shall pay a fine of One Thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢1000.00), 50% of which shall go to Determination FC.
- 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)