Soccer-"Fine is the farthest GFA could go" - Jawula

Accra (Greater Accra) 26 May '99

Alhaji M.N.D. Jawula, Chairman of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), said in Accra on Tuesday that the one million cedis fine each imposed on two club chairmen was the "farthest the association could go for now".

Mr Herbert Mensah, Board Chairman of Asante Kotoko and Mr Seth Yeboah, Chairman of Dawu Youngsters, were both fined one million cedis each on Monday for their role during the fracas at the Dawu Sports stadium in the 12th week ABC premier league match which ended in a 1-1 draw.

In an interview with the GNA, Alhaji Jawula said the GFA never foresaw that one day, two club chairmen would physically attack each other hence no specific punishment was put in place for that.

He said, however, that the GFA's action was taken in accordance with article 34 of its byelaws. The laws state in part, that "a club official or a member of a club who interferes with the progress of a match or incites players against officials shall be fined an amount to be determined by its disciplinary committee".

He said plans are afoot for security personnel to arrest and prosecute those who breach the law.

In addition to the fine, Dawu are to pay 750,000 cedis for the misconduct of supporters who attacked Kotoko fans while Kotoko are to pay one million cedis for threatening both match officials and attacking Dawu fans.

In the said match, the row started when followers of Kotoko allegedly deflated two unofficial balls believed to be "juju balls".

Dawu chairman allegedly rushed to the Kotoko technical bench, just at the time the balls were about to be deflated which nearly resulted in a row between the two chairmen.

Alhaji Osumanu Mohammed, Chairman of Afienya United, has also been fined 500,000 cedis for inciting crowd violence in their match against Tema Ghapoha Readers plus additional 500,000 cedis for the club's misconduct.

Four other officials of Afienya were also fined a total of 800,000 cedis for their involvement in the violence while Sekondi Hasaacas have been fined 500,000 cedis for a similar offence in their match against Obuasi Goldfields played at the Gyandu park.

Meanwhile, the GFA is investigating yet another row in the 14th week match between Kotoko and Okwawu United at the Nkawkaw park last Sunday, which Kotoko won 3-2.

GRi../