GHALCA to maximise security

Accra, August 10, GNA - The Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) has resolved to strengthen security at the various stadiums to check ticket racketeering as the Novelty Knockout enters day two at the league centres this weekend.

The action, according to GHALCA was arrived at after some anomalies occurred during the open games when 14 out of the 16 Premier Clubs swung to action in the just introduced competition.

Mr Kudjo Fianno, Administrative Secretary of the association told the GNA Sports that some of the home teams went contrary to the initial agreement to engage representatives of away teams at the gates to ensure maximum transparency.

"It came to our notice that some home teams refused the participation of the away teams at the gates contrary to the tournament's agreement to allow equal representation at the gates".

Home and away teams are entitled to a 40 and 30 percent of the gate proceeds respectively, according to the tournament's agreement as against the former "home take all" situations.

"Since there is nothing like home take all, it will be wrong for any club to hijack the gates as if they have no idea about the rules of the tournament," he added.

The Association has also taken an entrenched position with regard to the outfit of referees during the games.

GHALCA last week asked Referees and assistant Referees selected to officiate in the month-long competition to discard the Cowbell logo on their kits.

Mr Fianoo told the GNA Sports that the Association would not compromise on their stance in their quest to avoid any conflict with the sponsors of the tournament.

"It is imperative to appreciate that the Cowbell sponsorship was meant for the abortive league and not this tournament," he emphasised. It will be recalled that Cowbell offered to kit the referees for the Premier League, but which has been suspended to enable the teams to contribute players to the Black Meteors for the Olympic Games.