Mighty Jets expulsion is in order — Fianko

Mr Ntow Fianko, Vice-Chairman of the Division One League (DOL) Board said on Friday that the three-year ban imposed on Tudu Mighty Jets from competitions organised by the GFA is not new because many clubs have suffered similar fate for withdrawing from the league.

Speaking to the GNA, Mr Fianko said recently, the GFA banned a number of clubs for withdrawing on financial grounds and named Damongo Mole Stars who were banned in 1998, Abuakwa Susubiribi in 2000, Navrongo Morin Stars and Tamale Republicans in 2001 as some of the clubs which have come under the hammer of the GFA.

He said the excuse being given by Mighty Jets that they notified the GFA of their withdrawal from the National Middle League within the eight days stipulated by the statutes before the start of the League, is erroneous and cannot insulate them from laid-down rules.

"The National Middle League is part of the division one league and as far as a champion has not be declared, withdrawal midway on financial grounds cannot exonerate anybody since all division one clubs face the same financial problem.

"What Mighty Jets should have done was to pull out eight days before the start of the DOL which started on May 2, and not at this moment that it has reached its 19th week since the sub and middle leagues are part of it"

Mr Fianko said even though he agrees that the clubs have been in financial difficulties this season, the GFA and GHALCA have supported them by subsidising fees for match officials while gate proceeds from matches have been shared among participating clubs.