Olympics, RTU cry foul over disciplinary committee decision

Accra, Sept 10 - GNA, Accra Great Olympics and Real Tamale United are complaining bitterly about the Ghana Football Association (GFA) disciplinary committee decision, which nullified their protests against Obuasi Goldfields for fielding an ineligible player, Valentine Atem, in matches against them.

In separate interviews with the GNA Sports, the two clubs accused the GFA of selective justice and advised that the decision be reversed in their favour in the interest of fair-play and justice. Alhaji Adam Mukaila, chairman of RTU said the provision on the eligibility of foreign players is clear and any other interpretation is a deliberate ploy to circumvent justice and favour one club against the other.

He said it is obligatory on every foreign player to secure a work permit, issued by the Immigration Department, to qualify to play and it is crystal clear that Atem had no permit when he played against RTU. The chairman said it is unacceptable for the disciplinary committee to say that they were throwing out their protest because the Appeals Committee had thrown out a similar case some time ago without considering the merit of the protest.

Alhaji Mukaila said Atem played against RTU in a league match on August 23 whereas his work permit was issued on August 25, "48 good hours after he played against us and for anybody to say that our protest was not meritorious, that person should be committing a crime against justice.

He said "two years ago, RTU lodged a protest against Maxbees and it is sad that up till now, the disciplinary committee has not come out with any verdict on the issue," adding that it appears some clubs do not deserve justice in the eyes of the GFA.

In a separate complain, Mr Oloboi Commodore, Finance Officer of Accra Great Olympics said they were disappointed about the conduct of the GFA disciplinary committee as there was no iota of doubt about the illegal immigrant status of Atem when he played against the Wonder Club in a 19th week fixture.

He advised the GFA to dispense justice to all sides fairly without fear or favour in order to win the confidence of the teams as a means of eliminating mistrust, which in some cases instigates violence at matches. 10 Sept 03