Nana Sarfo Oduro Warns Against Walk-Offs Amid Nations FC Controversy
Executive Council member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Nana Sarfo Oduro, has reiterated the rules governing match abandonments in the Ghana Premier League, emphasizing that no team has the authority to walk off the pitch during a game.
His remarks come in the wake of the controversial Ghana Premier League fixture between Basake Holy Stars and Nations FC, which was abruptly abandoned after Nations FC exited the pitch, citing violent conduct and alleged assault on their chairman, Dr. Kwame Kyei.
Speaking on Adom TV’s “Fire for Fire” show hosted by Kobby Stonne, Nana Sarfo Oduro stressed that according to GFA regulations, only match referees have the authority to end a game prematurely—not teams, clubs, or even match commissioners.
“No team or club has the right to walk off the pitch. When a match starts, the match commissioner or any team does not have the power to abrupt a game. It is only the referee who has the power to do that.”
He referred specifically to Article 33(1)(a) of the GFA regulations, which outlines the consequences of disrupting or refusing to continue a match.
“Article 33 1 a. says a team that positions itself in a way to bring the abrupt end of a game or a team that fails to continue a game shall forfeit the match and three additional points deducted from their accumulated points.”
The incident between Basake Holy Stars and Nations FC has drawn national attention, with Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, expressing frustration at the escalating violence and criticizing club leadership as “clueless” in their handling of the sport.
However, Oduro’s comments suggest that any breach of the rules, regardless of circumstances, would be met with strict disciplinary measures as outlined in the GFA’s statutes.
The match in question was halted after a first-half penalty gave Basake Holy Stars the lead and a second penalty was awarded shortly after. Amidst the chaos, Nations FC left the field, claiming a breakdown in security and fairness.
As the GFA continues its investigations, Nana Sarfo Oduro’s intervention reinforces the governing body’s commitment to upholding discipline and the integrity of Ghana’s top-tier football competition.
