FIFA has warned the government of Ghana to withdraw, by Monday, 27 August 2018, a court action seeking to liquidate the Ghana Football Association (GFA) or face suspension with immediate effect.
According to the world football governing body, seeking to liquidate the GFA constitutes an undue interference in football in contravention of article 14 paragraph 1 and article 19 paragraph 1 of the FIFA statutes.
If the GFA were to be suspended, it may not exercise any of its membership rights and other associations could not entertain sporting contact with the GFA.
Football in the country came to a halt in June this year after government applied to an Accra High Court to dissolve the local football governing body claiming the entire football structure was engaged in corruption following an investigative documentary by ace journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, which uncovered massive rot in Ghana football.
The exposé led to the resignation of Ghana FA President Kwesi Nyantakyi, who was captured on tape receiving an alleged $65,000 ‘gift’ to agree a sponsorship deal with supposed investors – something he is contesting in court – claiming it was a refund of his expenses.
He resigned on Friday, 8 June 2018, after FIFA handed him a 90-day provisional ban from all footballing activities.
Over 80 referees and football officials were involved in the bribery scandal which has rocked the GFA.
The court action by the Attorney General is deemed by FIFA to be an interference as the laws of FIFA prohibit governments from interfering in the activities of football federations.
“The Bureau considers that the petition introduced by the Attorney General to the High Court of Justice to start the liquidation process of the GFA constitutes an undue interference in the affairs of the GFA in contravention of article 14 paragraph 1 i) and article 19 paragraph 1 of the FIFA statutes,” the FIFA letter to the Ministry of Youth and Sports on Monday said.
“Under these circumstances, the Bureau based on article 16 paragraph 1 of the FIFA Statutes decided on 11 August 2018 that if the petition to start the liquidation process of the GFA is not withdrawn by Monday, 27 August 2018 at 12h00 (CET), the GFA will be suspended with immediate effect.
“The suspension would be lifted only, once the above-mentioned petition is withdrawn and FIFA is given written proof thereof,” the statement added.
If the authorities fail to comply with this latest directive, Ghana would be handed a worldwide ban, meaning no club or national team can compete in international competitions.
The action will also prevent Ghana from hosting the Africa Women’s Championship, which is scheduled to be held in the country from November.
Source : Ghana/AccraFM.com
