HEARTS/KOTOKO FACES WRATH OF THE FA

The two most glamorous clubs in the history of Ghana football Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak faces sanctions from the Ghana soccer governing body (GFA) for flouting the rules and regulations of the FA.

www.sportsmafiagh.net reported about certain unforeseen incidents that preceded their week 2 clash at the Accra Sports Stadium. About an hour to the kickoff of the said match, a fan believed to be from the home team was arrested by the police for dropping an object in one of the goal post.

As if that was not enough, players of both clubs failed to follow the match officials to the center line as required by law. In view of this, the FA has decided to sanction both clubs and their charge sheet reads;

Case: Before the start of the game, as the officiating officials, Match Commissioner and General Match Coordinator lined up behind the ball boys from the tunnel unto the field of play, both Hearts and Kotoko team players' (eleven each) halted at the touchline leaving them and the ball boys to continue alone contrary to Article 23 (4) a.&b.

The players' numbering 22 later joined the officials on the half way line for the exchange of sportsmanship/fair play formalities.

Decision: In accordance with Article 23(4)(c), all the eleven players' of both team's totaling 22 are liable to a fine of GH¢ 750.00 each.

NB: Article 39(8)(b) of the GFA Rules and Regulations states inter alia 'without prejudice to any provision in these regulations to the contrary, a club shall pay all fines and costs imposed on it not later than 14 days excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Public holidays after such fines or costs have been communicated to it in writing by the Association. A club that fails to pay its fines or costs as stipulated above shall forfeit its subsequent matches until such time the fines and/or costs are paid.'