Today in history: Match-fixing: Abedi Pele exonerated, Nania and 3 other clubs banned

Exactly 8 years today, the Disciplinary committee withdrew all charges against Abedi Pele for involving himself in a match of convenience, but upheld earlier decision to ban his club Nania FC, Okwawu United, Gt. Mariners and Mighty Jets.

After a protracted alleged match-fixing case that even went to the law courts, the Ghana Football Association (GFA's) Disciplinary Committee (DC) on 24 September, 2007 passed judgment on two matches of the Division One middle league that fetched 59 goals.

In a careful study of the presentation by all parties, the FA's DC finally arrived at the conclusion that the attitude and posture of the players of all four clubs, namely Nania F/C, Tudu Mighty Jets, Okwawu United and Great Mariners, on the match day, was distinctly unusual, pre-meditated and intended for benefit.

The Committee further disclosed that players of all the afore-mentioned clubs played the said matches in non-competitive manner.

However, all officials of the four clubs who were initially charged, were absolved of the charges, since the committee found no concrete evidence against them.

On the other hand, the clubs were also fined GH¢5,000 (¢50 million) each, and in addition banned one year each.

They were asked to stay away from all league activities organized and approved by the FA in accordance with Article 35, section 5B of the GFA regulations.

In the same vein, players of the four clubs, who were involved in the matches, were also to serve a one-year ban each.

It would be recalled that on 28 March  2007, Nania whipped Okwawu United by 31-0, while Mighty Jets demolished Mariners 28-0 and were  after the game accused of engaging in match-fixing.

The four clubs as well as their players and officials faced the GFA  Disciplinary Committee, where they were banned for a year and the teams relegated to Division Three.

In addition, the clubs were asked to pay a fine of GH¢5,000 (¢50 million) each.

The clubs filed an appeal against the decision, but the Appeals Committee ruled that they should go back to the FA's DC.

Both Nania F/C and Mighty Jets had argued that the GFA's Disciplinary Committee should be restraint from re-hearing their cases, and to that effect, they filed an injunction in court, which was later thrown out.