GFA threatened to relegate my team for criticizing bad officiating – Sammy Anim Addo

Samuel Anim Addo, owner of Ghana Premier League side Young Apostles, has alleged that Ghana Football Association (GFA) officials warned that his club would be relegated if he did not refrain from criticizing officiating.

He explained that the threats came after he condemned poor officiating by Referee Maxwell Hanson during the Accra Lions' match against Dreams FC, which generated controversy.

"We have been suppressing the truth, and Accra Lions' recent complaints following Hanson's regrettable officiating in their premier league encounter only highlight a phenomenon I called out to the GFA about months ago.

"I have been vehement in my calls for Referee Maxwell Hanson and his likes, who are still compromising the appeal, quality, and competitiveness of the Ghana Premier League, to be 'flushed' out. But I assume clubs need to experience their handiwork one by one to appreciate my crusade," he narrated on X.

Anim Addo further indicated that his persistent criticisms of unfair officiating led to some GFA officials threatening to relegate his club from the league.

The Young Apostles bankroller stressed that such threats would not deter him from speaking out about the rot in the league, which needs to be addressed by authorities.

"I have been threatened many times already that this GFA administration will ensure foul means to relegate my club, Young Apostles.

"But I want to sound a caution to them, it is not the worst they can do to me and my continuous investment and commitment to Ghana football. Nothing lasts forever!" he added.

Read Anim Addo's tweet below:

MAXWELL HANSON IS THEIR MAN FOR ´DIRTY’ WORKS.

Ghana’s focus the last few weeks has been about the last general elections and inauguration of a new set of political and governance leaders many consider a new dawn following diverse challenges for years now.

The intensity of the… pic.twitter.com/Q6yiRPC9HU

— Sammy Anim Addo (@AnimSammy) January 9, 2025