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

CASE: 17

MATCH: SAADA FC VRS PROMISE FC

DATE: 15TH APRIL 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 Saada FC for fielding unqualified players in their match.

EVIDENCE

By a protest dated 17/04/24 Promise FC alleged that Saada FC fielded unqualified players in their match. No documentary evidence was attached to the protest.

The players affected by the protest are Albert Ackah (No.30), Theophilus Ohene Bernard (No.20), Augustine Alod(Aloo) (No.15), Emmanuel Quaidoo (No.32), Tanko Issah (No.13), Peter Nkrumah (No.7), Kojo Emmanuel (No.14), Emmanuel Ghansah (No.4), Wilson Nyanzu (No.12), Justice Baidoo (No.27) and Evans Bonuah (No.17). ​​​

Saada 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 as part of documentary evidence in the investigations and also conducted its own independent investigations.

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 Saada FC allowed unqualified players to be used in their match. It stated that Albert Ackah (No.30), Theophilus Ohene Bernard (No.20), Augustine Alod (Aloo) (No.15), Emmanuel Quaidoo (No.32), Tanko Issah (No.13), Peter Nkrumah (No.7), Kojo Emmanuel (No.14), Emmanuel Ghansah (No.4), Wilson Nyanzu (No.12), Justice Baidoo (No.27) and Evans Bonuah (No.17) were not registered with Saada FC at the time of the match. Promise FC did not attach any document as evidence in support of its case.

On the other hand, Saada FC in its defence denied the allegations levelled against it and stated that all the players in question were qualified to play the match. The club stated that the protest should be dismissed forthwith for it lacks merit.

The Committee considered the Referee’s report. The Committee noted from the Referee’s report and the team sheet that the players Albert Ackah (No.30), Theophilus Ohene Bernard (No.20), Augustine Alod (No.15), Tanko Issah (No.13), Peter Nkrumah (No.7), Kojo Emmanuel (No.14), Emmanuel Ghansah (No.4), Wilson Nyanzu (No.12), Justice Baidoo (No.27) and Evans Bonuah (No.17) were all fielded in the match, while the player Emmanuel Quaidoo (No.32) was an unused substitute.

The Committee realised that Promise FC did not attach any document in support of the allegation.

In its defence Saada FC stated that Promise FC failed to establish their claim and further supported it with a printout of extract from the FIFA Connect System of the said players.

FINDINGS

1. Albert Ackah, Theophilus Ohene Bernard, Augustine Alod, Tanko Issah, Peter Nkrumah, Kojo Emmanuel, Emmanuel Ghansah, Wilson Nyanzu, Justice Baidoo and Evans Bonuah were fielded in the match.
2. Emmanuel Quaidoo was not fielded in the match.

DECISION

1. Albert Ackah, Theophilus Ohene Bernard, Augustine Alod, Tanko Issah, Peter Nkrumah, Kojo Emmanuel, Emmanuel Ghansah, Wilson Nyanzu, Justice Baidoo and Evans Bonuah were qualified to be fielded in the said match.
2. Per the evidence adduced, Saada FC is not found Guilty of the charges against Albert Ackah, Theophilus Ohene Bernard, Augustine Alod, Tanko Issah, Peter Nkrumah, Kojo Emmanuel, Emmanuel Ghansah, Wilson Nyanzu, Justice Baidoo and Evans Bonuah.
3. Promise FC failed to prove that Saada FC fielded unqualified players.

SANCTIONS

1. Per Article 35(14) of the Regional Football Association League Regulations, 2021, the protest of Promise FC is declared as frivolous and dismissed accordingly and that the results of the match in question shall stand.

2. Promise FC shall pay a fine of Five Hundred Ghana Cedis (GH¢500.00) payable within 14 days upon receipt of this ruling.

DATED AT WRFA OFFICES, SEKONDI THIS 20TH MAY, 2024

CONSTANTINE K. M. KUDZEDZI, ESQ

(CHAIRMAN)