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

CASE : 15

MATCH: PROMISE FC VRS SALMAN GOLDEN STAR FC

DATE: 4TH FEBRUARY 2024

VENUE: CAM PARK AIYINASE

MEMBERS PRESENT

CONSTANTINE K. M. KUDZEDZI, ESQ CHAIRMAN

PETER KOJO BAIDOO, ESQ VICE CHAIRMAN

BRIEF FACTS

Promise FC protested against Salman Golden Star FC for causing abrupt end and fielding unqualified players in their match

EVIDENCE

By a protest dated 06/02/24 Promise FC alleged that Salman Golden Star FC caused an abrupt end and also fielded unqualified players in their match. It attached a copy of the team sheet of Salman Golden Star FC.

The players affected by the protest are Isaac Amoh (No.11), Alfred Buckman (No.21), Raymond Sowudu (No.14), Sylvester Ackah (No.5), Obed Blay (No.16), Evans Kyei (6), Philip Kwofie (No.7), Bob Lawson (No.8), James Lawson (No.3) and Joseph Quainoo (No.10) of Salman Golden Star FC as stated in the statement of case by Promise FC.​​​

Salman Golden Star FC filed a Statement of Defence upon being notified and served with a copy of the Written Grounds and Statement of Case as provided in Article 35(8) (a) of the Regional Football Association League Regulations, 2021(hereinafter called “the Regulations”).

The Committee also examined the Referee’s Report and Match Commissioner’s Report as part of documentary evidence in the investigations and also conducted its own independent investigations about the cause of the abrupt end and the players in question.

ANALYSIS OF EVIDENCE

It must be noted that per Article 33(12)(a) and (b) of the Regulations, the burden of proof is on the protesting club and so in this instance the burden is on Promise FC to prove the allegations made.

Again, Article 35(9) (a)-(d) mandates the Disciplinary Committee to consider the Statement and/or Evidence of the parties and deliver judgement immediately. Similarly, Article 35(9)(c) provides that the committee shall consider the merits of the case and deliver its decision in any given case even if a party fails, neglects or refuses to file a Statement of Defence within the stipulated time.

The Committee was informed by Promise FC from its statement of case that player Isaac Amoh (No.11) of Salman Golden Star FC struck (hit) their player and received a red card. Isaac Amoh then rushed on the referee and slapped him which resulted in the abrupt end of the match because the referee became dizzy and at the same time Isaac Amoh refused to leave the pitch for the continuation of the match.

Promise FC again indicated to the Committee that they were prevented from taking photographs of Salman Golden Star FC players since they failed to produce player licenses or barcode from the GFA Connect System. A complaint was made to the Match Commissioner and the referees but all proved futile. It stated again that Isaac Amoh (No.11), Alfred Buckman (No.21), Raymond Sowudu (No.14), Sylvester Ackah (No.5), Obed Blay (No.16), Evans Kyei (6), Philip Kwofie (No.7), Bob Lawson (No.8), James Lawson (No.3) and Joseph Quainoo (No.10) were not registered with Salman Golden Star FC before the said match. Promise FC attached a copy of the team sheet of Salman Golden Star FC as evidence in support of its case.

In its defence, Salman Golden Star FC denied the allegations levelled against it and stated that all the ten (10) players listed by Promise FC have been registered with the Club. The club again stated that their player Isaac Amoh did not slap the referee.

In his report, the referee for the match David Parker stated that after the inspection of both teams, the officials of the Salman Golden Star FC threatened the match officials that they would not allow the match to start if Baidoo Kwame (No.6) and the coach of Promise FC are not taken out of the team for they are serving a Red Card ban which was issued them in the previous week. This delayed the match for close to thirty(30) minutes before the match could start. The referee also indicated that in the twenty-fourth (24th) minute, player Isaac Amoh (No.11) was shown a red card for striking an opponent with a blow from behind and immediately the technical bench and the entire substitutes rushed and attacked the referee and it is at that point that Isaac Amoh slapped him (the referee). The referee again stated that the officials and substitutes who invaded the pitch remained on it for some time threatening to beat the referees. Further he added that security on the day were not adequate to provide them the needed protection to continue the match. He again indicated that the match was put on hold for more than thirty minutes before it was called off because of the pitch invasion and also the security which was not adequate to provide them the needed protection. The referee attached to his report Police General Medical Form, Medical Officers Report and Police Statement.

This incidence was corroborated by the Match Commissioner in his report.

FINDINGS

1. The pitch was invaded by Team Officials and substitutes of Salman Golden Star FC
2. The referee David Parker was attacked and slapped by Isaac Amoh.
3. Referee David Parker Lodged an assault case against Isaac Amoh at the Aiyinasi Police Station.

DECISION

The Committee holds Salman Golden Star FC responsible for acts which led to the abrupt end of the match contrary to Articles 33(1)(b) and 34(1)(a)(b) of the Regulations.

SANCTIONS

1. Per Article 33(1)(b) of the Regulations, Salman Golden Star FC shall forfeit the match.
2. In line with Article 33(2) of the Regulations, Salman Golden Star FC is declared loser of the match. Promise FC accordingly shall be awarded three (3) points and three (3) goals.
3. Further, in accordance with Article 33(5)(a) of the Regulations, Salman Golden Star FC shall lose three (3) points from the accumulated points.
4. Also, per Article 33(5) (b) of the Regulations, Salman Golden Star FC shall pay a fine of One Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHȼ1000.00), 50% of which shall go to Promise FC.
5. Further, per Article 34(1) (a) of the Regulations, Isaac Amoh shall pay a fine of One Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHȼ1000.00) for attacking an official. All medical expenses of the Referee must also be paid by Salman Golden Star FC.
6. 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)