Proposed 20-Club Premier League withdrawn

Accra, Aug. 18, GNA - The much-debated proposed 20-Club Premier League took a major twist at the Extraordinary Congress of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) on Wednesday following its withdrawal by the proponents.

The proposal, which was coined by the Regional Football Associations, (RFA) had gained an unpopular endorsement amongst the football public, which heightened the interest of the emergency General Assembly.


As one of the main items on the agenda of the Congress, the august house expected heated deliberations when the topic was called up; before the shock announcement by Matthew Narh Doe, the spokesperson of the proponents.


Doe, Chairman of the Central Regional Football Association to the surprise of all stated the withdrawal of the proposal citing critical deliberations amongst the parties involved to the amazement of all.


"After critical consideration amongst ourselves and the various stakeholders, we wish to withdraw the proposal.


"However, we wish to task the Executive Committee to set up a committee to study the matter for implementation at the appropriate time."


The proposal also included the zoning of the Premier League to ensure the representation of every region at the elite division, and will also have affected the increase in the number of Clubs in the Division One League from 48 to 64.

Kwesi Nyantakyi, President of the GFA commended the proponents for the withdrawal of the proposal due to its untimely nature and assured that the Executive Committee will give it a critical thought for implementation at the right and appropriate time.


Congress, the supreme and legislative organ of the GFA also approved unanimously the Reserve League, which takes effect from the 2010/2011 season.


The Reserve League forms part of the GFA's quest to develop football at the grassroots and build a reservoir of talents for the national juvenile teams.


There were also amendments to Article 4 and 8 of the GFA statutes following the unanimous approval of sections bordering on player registration, strips, fines and eligibility for the Reserve League.


Nyantakyi in his closing remarks commended the delegates for their fruitful deliberations on issues relating to the development of the game in the country.


106 of the 123 delegates that constitute Congress were present.