Sumaila Abdallah nominated for FIFA Fair play Award

Sumaila Abdallah, an 18 year old goalkeeper of Dawu Youngsters Football Club has been nominated for the 2001 FIFA Fair play award scheduled to take place in Barcelona.

Briefing newsmen in Accra, on Thursday, Mr Ibrahim Sannie Daara, a sports caster with Choice FM, an Accra FM station, said Sumaila was nominated for his outstanding sportsmanship during the FA cup semi-final match between Accra Hearts of Oak and Dawu Youngsters in November last year.

He said during the match, Charles Taylor, of Accra Hearts of Oak collapsed in an attempted a scissor kick in the box and fell heavily to the ground fainting in the process.

"With no one realising the imminent danger Taylor was facing, Abdallah who was in post for the opposing team, tried all he could including shouting at the top of his voice to draw the attention of the medical team to the danger facing Taylor.

"While the medical team took time to reach the dying player, Abdallah started giving Taylor a mouth to mouth resuscitation. This timely intervention revived Taylor before the medical team attended to him".

Mr Sannie said, this act of sportsmanship should not escape the attention of World Football Authorities who would encourage other young people to emulate the goalkeeper.

He also called on the Ghana Football Association, (GFA) and the Professional League Board, (PLB) to institute an annual award for Fair Play in Ghana to encourage players and maintain positive attitude during matches.

Mr Sannie recommended severe punishment for perpetrators of violent acts at football stadiums.

In an interview with the GNA Sports, Abdallah who still plays for Dawu Youngsters, said he never considered Taylor at that moment as an opponent, as the player was in serious danger and could have died if not attended to.

He said, he was happy to be nominated as it will encourage other players and fans in Ghana and other parts of Africa to help curb violence in soccer.

Mr Worlanyo Agrah, General Secretary of the GFA called on the press not to resort to criticism only, but also to be vigilant and draw the attention of the FA to some of the good deeds by players and officials for the necessary recognition and action.