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

CASE :16

MATCH: PROMISE FC VRS SAADA FC

DATE: 21ST JANUARY 2024

VENUE: CAM PARK AIYINASE

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 Promise FC and Saada FC played on the 21st January 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 Ibrahim Sika Pennah stated that in the fifth (5th) minute, his Assistant Referee Two (2), Beatrice Ackah complained of severe headache and was replaced by Daniel K. Mensah. He continued that whenever he flags for an infringement against Promise FC, he was met with insults and threats from the supporters. He stated again that in the seventy-seventh (77th) minute of the match, A player of Saada FC took a ball from a Promise FC player who fell down in the process with no infringement caused, however the supporters of Promise FC thought otherwise and started pelting stones, sticks and sachet water on the Assistant Referee Two (2) but by the intervention of the security personnel present he was rescued from any physical attack. The field was invaded by the supporters of Promise FC for more than thirty (30) minutes and finally the match was called off by the referee.

The Match Commissioner in his report also stated that on the fifth (5th ) minute of the match, Assistant Referee Two (2), Beatrice Ackah was replaced by Daniel K. Mensah due to headache. He continued that on the seventy seventh (77th) minute, Daniel K. Mensah reported to him that supporters of Promise FC were throwing stones, sticks, wood and pure water at him and as a result, he could not continue the match as his life was in danger. The match was therefore called off on the seventy seventh (77th) minute.

FINDINGS

1. The pitch was invaded by the supporters of Promise FC.
2. The Assistant Referee Two (2) was attacked by supporters of Promise FC.
3. Saada FC failed to file a protest against Promise FC contrary to Article 33(6) of the regulations for the award of points.

DECISION

The Committee holds Promise 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

1. Per Article 33(1)(b) of the Regulations, Promise FC shall forfeit the match.
2. In line with Article 33(11) of the Regulations, Promise FC is considered as having lost the match.
3. Further, in accordance with Article 33(5)(a) of the Regulations, Promise FC shall lose three (3) points from the accumulated points.
4. Also, per Article 33(5) (b) of the Regulations, Promise FC shall pay a fine of One Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHȼ1000.00), 50% of which shall go to Saada FC.
5. 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)