RULING OF THE WESTERN REGIONAL FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION (WRFA) DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE ON 20TH MAY, 2024 AT THE WRFA OFFICE, SEKONDI

CASE : 14

MATCH: ANYI FC VRS AMENFI ALL STARS FC

DATE: 4TH FEBRUARY 2024

VENUE: ENCHI ROMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL 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

The match between Anyi FC and Amenfi All Stars FC played on the 25th February 2024 came to an abrupt end. Per the records available, both teams failed to lodge a protest with the WRFA in accordance with the Regional Football Association League Regulations, 2021(hereinafter called “the Regulations”).

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

In his report, the referee for the match Jacob Addae stated that in the ninth (9th) minute Anyi FC had a penalty and scored. Thereafter, some spectators believed to be the supporters of Anyi FC kept invading the field of play and threw additional footballs on the pitch anytime Amenfi All Stars FC launch an attack that seems to be goal scoring opportunity to interrupt the game. This situation was brought under control by the security personnel who were present. The referee also indicated that in the eightieth (80th) minute the ball hit the thigh of an Amenfi All Stars FC player and spectators believed to be the supporters of Anyi FC invaded the pitch to attack the referee to award a penalty in their favour else they “will kill him and run to La Cote D’ivoire”. The police intervened timely to rescue the referee from any physical attack. The pitch was invaded for over thirty (30) minutes which led to the abrupt end of the match and for the commencement of the next match for the day.

This incidence was corroborated by the Match Commissioner’s report on the match. According to the Match Commissioner (MC), Anna Amoako, in the 80th minute some of the players and officials of the home team (Anyi FC) rushed on the referee claiming that there was a hand ball against a player of Amenfi All Stars FC which the referee should have declared it as an infringement. The MC went ahead to state that the supporters of Anyi FC rushed onto the field of play and attacked the referee. She continued that when the referees saw that their lives were in danger, they could not continue the match because there was inadequate security and also stated that from where she was sitting, she did not see any hand ball.

FINDINGS

1. The pitch was invaded by the supporters of Anyi FC.
2. The referee was attacked by supporters of Anyi FC.
3. Amenfi All Stars FC failed to file a protest against Anyi FC contrary to Article 33(6) of the regulations for the award of points.

DECISION

The Committee holds Anyi FC responsible for the acts of its supporters which led to the abrupt end of the match contrary to Articles 33(1)(b) and 34(4) of the Regulations.

SANCTIONS

4. Per Article 33(1)(b) of the Regulations, Anyi FC shall forfeit the match.
5. In line with Article 33(11) of the Regulations, Anyi FC is considered as having lost the match.
6. Further, in accordance with Article 33(5)(a) of the Regulations, Anyi FC shall lose three (3) points from the accumulated points.
7. Also, per Article 33(5) (b) of the Regulations, Anyi FC shall pay a fine of One Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHȼ1000.00), 50% of which shall go to Amenfi All Stars FC.
8. 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 20TH MAY, 2024.

CONSTANTINE K. M. KUDZEDZI, ESQ
(CHAIRMAN)