GPL: Three referees fail test

Charles Nii Tagoe, Eric Owusu Mensah and Theresah Bremansu were the notable names to have failed the Referees Fitness test – meaning they cannot officiate in the second half of the Ghana Premier League.

The trio failed to complete the series of rigorous fitness test held on Sunday at the El-Wak Stadium.


Pot-bellied Otis Oppong, who came under heavy criticism after officiating in the 1-1 draw between Hearts of Oak and King Faisal in Accra, was one of the stellar performers during the physical test.


The Sunyani-based referee run the full course despite his obvious predicament with his belly.


The fitness test forms part of routine checks by the Referees Association and the Ghana FA to ascertain the physical and intellectual fitness of match officials before the start of a major competition like the Premier League.


The Referees Association boss Alex Quartey believes the exercise was highly successful despite the shortcomings of some of his members.

“We want to ensure that our referees remain fit ahead of the commencement of the second half of the season,” he told Metro FM.


“It is the reason why we organize these fitness tests for our members.


“I believe this exercise was largely successful and we look forward to offering quality match officials for the Premier League.”


Thirty centre referees will be used for the second half of the Premier League – dropping from the usual thirty five with assistant referees also dropping from 55 to 45.