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

CASE:18

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

Saada FC protested against Promise FC for fielding unqualified players and some team officials whose names were not captured on the team sheet in their match.

EVIDENCE

By a protest dated 17/04/24 Saada FC alleged that Promise FC fielded unqualified players and some team officials whose names were not captured on the team sheet in their match. It attached a copy of the team sheet of Promise FC. Saada FC claims to have attached video and pictorial evidence to the petition. However, only pictures were attached. No video was attached to the petition as claimed.

The players affected by the protest are Richard Quayson (No.10) and Seidu Affadzie (No.9).

Promise 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 Saada 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 Saada FC from its statement of case that Promise FC allowed unqualified players and team officials to be used in their match. It stated that Kwabena Baidoo of Sekondi Hasaacas FC “impersonated under the name Richard Quayson” (No.10) and also Seidu Affadzie (No.9) “impersonated under the same name Richard Quayson”. Saada FC attached a copy of the team sheet of Promise FC, printout from the Fifa Connect System of Richard Quayson and Seidu Affadzie as well as a photo of one Kwabena Baidoo. It also attached pictures which it claimed were videos taken during the match in support of its case. The exact videos were not attached for the Committee to view as part of the evidence.

On the other hand, Promise FC in its defence denied the allegations levelled against it. The club stated that they did not tamper with the players details and also unaware of any impersonation of the players under a different name. Promise FC attached the Player License Cards of the said players i.e. Richard Quayson and Seidu Affadzie as part of its defence.

The Committee considered the Referee’s report. The Committee noted from the Referee’s report and the team sheet that the players Richard Quayson (No.10) and Seidu Affadzie (No.9) were all fielded in the match.

The Committee realised that Saada FC failed to establish their claim and further Promise FC supported their claims in their defence with copies of the player license cards of the said players.

FINDINGS

1.Richard Quayson (No.10) and Seidu Affadzie (No.9) were fielded in the match.
2. Saada FC failed to prove that Richard Quayson and Seidu Affadzie were impersonated.
3. No team official names were found on the team sheet of Promise FC except the name of the coach.

DECISION

1. Richard Quayson and Seidu Affadzie were qualified to be fielded in the said match.

2.Per the evidence adduced Promise FC is not found Guilty of the charges against Richard Quayson and Seidu Affadzie as well as the team officials.

3.Saada FC failed to prove that Promise FC fielded unqualified players and team Officials.

SANCTIONS

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

2. Saada 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)