The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has immediately and indefinitely banned two Division One League clubs, PAC Academy and Port City Football Club, from using their home venues. This follows reports of violent incidents at their matches this past weekend.
The decision was made by the GFA’s Executive Council after disturbances occurred during PAC Academy’s game against FC Ashgold and Port City FC’s match against True Democracy. To prevent any repeat of these events, the Council has acted quickly.
Moving forward, the GFA’s Competitions Department will assign neutral venues for these clubs’ home matches. The department will consider travel distances for the away teams when selecting these locations.
This action uses the GFA’s power under its rules (Article 14(2) of the Division One League Regulations) to close any match venue where the safety of players, officials, or fans is at risk.
The GFA, together with the Ghana Police Service, has started a full investigation into what happened.
Initial reports state that after PAC Academy lost to FC Ashgold, members of the team attacked the match referees, as well as Ashgold’s technical team and players. This resulted in serious injuries to Ashgold’s coach, Kamara Dini, and a team member, Nafiu.
The GFA has strongly condemned all violence in football. It calls on all club owners, officials, supporters, and stakeholders to respect the values of fair play and good sportsmanship.
The Association also expressed its sympathy to those harmed by the incidents. It assures everyone that this matter is being treated with the highest priority, and proper punishments will be given where needed.