Confusion rocks Ghana Premier League over new GFA rule

Ghanaian giants Accra Hearts of Oak are set to be docked four points from their accumulated points in the Ghana Premier League over new Ghana FA Executive Council rules and and regulations.

A Ghanaian football whistle-blower is all set to notify the Ghana FA with facts and figures on how the 2000 CAF Champions League winners fielded an unqualified player in their Match Day 12 encounter against Elmina Sharks at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Hearts fielded an unqualified player against Elmina Sharks per the December 2019 Ghana FA congress adopted statutes the Phobians have faulted in fielding the player and could suffer points deduction if the whistle blower submit his evidence to the GFA who would have no option than deduct points from their accumulated points.

The Phobians fielded midfielder Emmanuel Nettey who had been booked once in three separate official matches against Elmina Sharks and are set to be declared losers of the said match and be docked an additional 3 points per the rules of the Ghana FA competition regulations.

Nettey, who has been the midfield anchor for Nii Odoom’s side this season, was booked in their match day 8 encounter with AshantiGold at the Accra Sports Stadium before picking his second booking in the Match Day 10 duel with Bechem United – a tie the Phobians won 3-2 thanks to a Kofi Kordzi last-gasp finish.

The former Inter Allies midfielder was also booked at the Akoon Park in the Match Day 11 clash which ended 0-0 with Karela United FC.

Hearts, who were unaware of the new statutes, left the 23-year-old out of their squad for the FA Cup tie against Danbort FC at the Accra Sports Stadium but went ahead to field him in the Match Day 12 encounter with Elmina Sharks.

Per the ruling issued by the Ghana FA Disciplinary wing in the case involving Medeama and Great Olympics and applying the regulations for the Ghana Premier League competition Nettey was ineligible to feature in the Hearts of Oak match against Elmina Sharks.

This situation, which has already generated heated debate within the Ghanaian football fraternity, is likely to throw the current season into further chaos with a litany of legal battle looming on its head.

While Article 23(5) A & 25 (1) of the GFA statutes accords congress with the supreme and legislative authority and power, it appears Article 39(K) of the amended statutes has vested parallel legislative authority on the Executive Council – a situation which has divided opinions in the West African nation.