Congress overrules Olympics, BA United petitions

Accra, April 7, GNA - Petitions filed by Accra Great Olympics and Brong Ahafo (BA) United for a review of the 2004 relegation process have been thrown out by Congress, the highest decision making body of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

The two clubs were demanding a review of the 2004 relegation process, which saw both clubs going on relegation after the zonal league system was adopted last year.

Both clubs argued that the zonal league was not nationalistic in character since all the clubs did not have the opportunity to play each other hence making the relegation process unfair.

After a series of presentations made by officials of Olympics led by Mr David Fugah Board Member of the club, Mr Richard Oblitei Solomon, former IMC member of Olympics and supported by Mr Oduro Nyarko, Board Secretary of Okwawu United, the president of Congress, Mr Alexander Kwabena Ampiah, put the issue before members for voting. Members of Congress were to vote on whether, the issue should be discussed at the meeting or not.

After a secret balloting, 54 members voted against the issue before the body for discussion, whilst 39 members agreed that the issue should be discussed.

In view of the voting pattern, the two clubs could not have their case considered by Congress hence have their relegation to the Division One League was confirmed after the two-day congress on Thursday. B.A. United and Great Olympics picked the bottom positions from Zone A and B respectively of the 2004 novelty zonal league.

The system was adopted after the start of the 2004 league was delayed due to a backlog of court cases before the GFA, making it impossible for the start of the league as scheduled.

The two clubs raised their opposition to the system after the league and filed different petitions before the Congress.

They proposed their retention in the 2005 Premier League with additional four teams from the Division One League to expand the league to a 20-team Premier League.

They had argued that the expansion of the league would promote national unity as well as ensure the development of football in the country.

The decision of Congress has now paved the way for the start of the 2005 Premier League barring any unforeseen legal battles.