Click on any of the links to watch the game. Kickoff is 7pm
https://hesgoal-tv.io/live/12368/1126150/barcelona-vs-royal-antwerp-fc/
OFFICIAL: Kotoko, Hisense extend partnership deal
Asante Kotoko have announced the extension of its Partnership deal with Hisense Ghana for a further three years.
Hisense has been the club’s official electronic partner since the beginning of the 2020-2021 league season and has collaborated on various activations.
The renewed agreement which covers a period of three years, comes with an undisclosed amount plus products from the electronic giants.
A statement from Hisense Ghana read;
“Hisense is thrilled to announce the extension of our partnership with Kotoko because we have witnessed the passion, dedication, and hard work displayed by the team.”
The electronic giants lauded the commitment of the club in achieving a common goal.
“Their commitment to excellence both on and off the field aligns perfectly with our brand values. Through this partnership, we have not only seen increased brand visibility but also a strong connection with the Ghana Soccer fan base, which is truly remarkable.
The leading name in electronics wished the club success in our quest to reclaim the Ghana premier league trophy.
“ As we look ahead to this season, our expectations are high. We believe that the Kotoko team, with its talent and determination, will achieve great success on the pitch.”
“We are confident that they will continue to make us proud, and we are excited that we are part of the rich heritage History in Ghana football
Together with Kotoko, Hisense looks forward to an outstanding season filled with memorable moments and shared success. We are committed to supporting the team in every possible way and anticipate a season filled with remarkable achievements. Here’s to another season of excellence and memorable history.”
2023/24 GPL: Preview – Medeama to open title defence against Accra Lions on Wednesday
Defending champions of the betPawa Premier League Medeama SC will face off Accra Lions on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at the Akoon Park in Tarkwa.
The tie was rescheduled to the Wednesday due to Medeama SC’s CAF Champions League first leg game against AC Horoya at the Cape Coast Stadium on Sunday, September 17, 2023.
Medeama SC have won two of their four games with Accra Lions also recording wins.
The yellow and mauve side have won all two their games played against Accra Lions at the Akoon Park, netting four goals and conceding one.
Accra Lions have boosted their squad with Tamale City forward, Yahaya Mohammed, Abdul Shakun Abubakari from Steadfast, Ali Mohammed and Daniel Afful.
Medeama SC have also signed Godnows Dzakpasu, Benjamin Bature, Osae Tetteh Bernardinho, Kamaradini Mamudu and Richard Akrofi.
The defending champions are currently playing in the CAF champions League preliminary round and have sealed qualification with a win over Nigerian side, Remo Stars.
Coach Augustine Evans Adotey’s side also beat Guinean side AC Horoya 3-1 in the first leg tie of their second preliminary game and will travel to Guinea for second leg on September 30, 2023.
2023/24 GPL: Dreams FC battle newcomers Nations FC on Wednesday
Nations FC will be playing their first league game in the history of the club after qualifying in zone two of the Access Bank Division One league against Dreams FC on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 in Dawu.
Dreams won the FA Cup trophy last season and finished 6th place in the league table but lost their super cup encounter against Medeama SC at the Cape Coast Stadium.
The Still Believe side have boosted their squad with experienced forward John Antwi, Enoch Abuu, Francis Odoom and Richard Mensah from Kotoku Royals.
After qualifying for the premier league, Nations FC appointed former Bechem United head coach, Kassim Mingle Ocansey with Brazilian forward De Santana also joining the team.
The team has been boosted with the likes of Victor Oduro, Nafiu Sulemana, Barimah Baah, Razak Simpson, Emmanuel Kontor and Prince Acquah.
The game will be broadcast live on Startimes Adepa Channel 247 on Wednesday at 3pm.
Full Ruling: George Afriyie’s appeal dismissed by GFA’s Appeals Committee
The Appeals Committee of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has dismissed George Afriyie’s appeal against his disqualification to contest the GFA presidency later this year.
READ THE FULL RULING BELOW
DECISION OF THE APPEALS COMMITTEE* RELATING TO THE APPEAL BY GEORGE KWASI AFRIYIE AGAINST THE
DECISION OF THE ELECTIONS COMMITTEE OF THE
GHANA FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
DATE: 15 TH SEPTEMBER, 2023
Per a notice of appeal dated 8th September, 2023, Mr. George Kwasi Afriyie is challenging the decision of the Elections Committee of the Ghana Football Association disqualifying him as a candidate for the presidency of the Ghana Football Association.
This appeal( is by way of rehearing and therefore we have reviewed all documents which were submitted by Mr. George Kwasi Afriyie in support of his application to contest for the GFA presidency.
We have also reviewed the decision of the Elections Committee as well as the initial and supplementary written submissions in support of the appeal by Mr.George Kwasi Afriyie. A video of the vetting of Mr. George KQasi Afriyie was also reviewed. We also reviewed videos of interviews the Elections Committee had with Mr. Leslie Bartels and Mr. Jerrry Asare. The main issue to be determined is whether or not Mr.
George Kwasi Afriyie was properly disqualified by the Elections Committee In resolving this issue, we shall not be following the extensive grounds of appeal contained in the notice of appeal filed by Mr. George Kwasi Afriyie.
We note from the written submissions in support of the appeal that Mr. George Kwasi Afriyie is alleging that the Elections Committee was constituted by Six (6) persons instead of Five (5) as provided for by the regulations. Our review of the video of the vetting shows that the sixth person Mr. George Kwasi Afriyie is referring to is the in-house lawyer of the Ghana Football Association. The lawyer was not part of the vetting tean) and did not ask Mr Afriyie any question. The lawyer only provided administrative assistance to the Committee and this is provided for in the Elections Regulations of the GFA. Article 4(4) of the 2019 GFA Regulations on Elections states as follows;
“4. The Elections Committee shall appoint a secretary from among its members, who shall be responsible for the related logistical matters and who shall take care upon the matters. He may call upon the GFA Secretariat to assist him in his duties”.
The Appeals Committee is of the view that the presence of an employee of the GFA, it’s in house lawyer, at the vetting to handle purely adm’nistrative functions did not increase the composition of the panel from five to six.
The Statutes of the Ghana Football Association provides that a person seeking the position of president of the GFA shall be nominated by a member o the GFA and this nomination shall be supported or endorsed by Five (5) members of the GFA.
Mr. Georue Kwasi Afriyie was nominated by SUSUBIBRIBI SPORTING CLUB acting per its General Manager Emmanuel A. Frimpong.
The following members are indicated on the form submitted by Mr. George Kwasi Afriyie as supporting his nomination;
- NEW ÉDUBIASE UNITED F/C acting per its President Yakubu Abdul alam.
Il. BEREKQJM CHELSEA acting per it president Bernard A. Jantuah Ill. ADUA A F/C acting per its CEO George Gyawe.
BEREKUM CITY F/C acting per its Director Kwaku Afriyie
Nsiah-Asare.
VICTORY CLUB WARRIORS F/C acting per its Director Jeffery Asare.
The nomination form for the position of President of the Ghana Football Association is a standard form that makes provision for five members only to support a valid nomination. There is no portion on the form that allows for more than Five (5). Mr. Afriyie’s form had five (5) as listed above, All the five supporting clubs also provided Statutory Declaratiop to the effect that they have not endorsed the forms of any other candidate.
The Committee notes that Mr. George Kwasi Afriyie included a Sixth Statutory eclaration from another person who had not supported his nomination. This document is irrelevant as it is not from a GFA member indicated on the Nomination form as supporting Mr. George Kwasi Afriyie.
We note from the written submission of Mr. George Kwasi Afriyie that he is asserting that he provided six members as GFA members supporting his nomination. This is not true. The only members submitted in support of the application are five (5). As indicated earlier in this ruling, the standard form make provision for only five (5) and therefore Mr. George Kwasi Afriyie cannot assert that he provided six (6) beeause he submitted six (6) Statutory Declarations. The sole purpose of the Statutory Declaration is for the member supporting a nomination to state under oath that he is supporting only one candidate. Beyond this, the Statutory Declaration has no other use in the nomination process.
The Elections Committee disqualified Mr. George Kwasi Afriyie on the basis that the endorsement from Victory Club Warriors F/C was incompetent Mr. Jeffery Asare who signed for and on behalf of Victory Club had indicated on the form that he is a Director of the Club. The Elections Committee established from the Regulations of the
Club as well as the records of the GFA that Mr. Jeffery Asare is not a
Director of the Club in its Regulations and is also not an authorized signatory as officially provided to the Ghana Football Association by the Club.
In our review of the appeal record, we noticed that the “Authorised Signatories List” submitted by Victory Club Warriors FC to the GFA in a letter dated 9th May, 2023 provided the following as the signatories with their designations and sample signatures;
- Leslie Kuku Bartels – President
Mr. Fatawu Mohammed – CEO
Ms. Angela Effah -Director
We also noticed that the Search conducted at the office of the Registrar of Companies provided that the Directors of Victory Club Warriors FC are the following; Leslie Bartels
Angela Effah
Angela Effah is also the secretary. Clearly, Jeffery Asare has no legal authority to execute any document on behalf of Victory Club Warriors FC. He did not provide any Power of Attorney giving him the authority to sign the Nomination form for and on behalf of the Club. In separate virtual interviews with Mr. Asare and Mr. Bartels, they both admitted that Mr. Asare is not a Director of the Club and is not authorized to sign any document on behalf of the Club. Mr. Asare informed the Committee that he did not indicate on the form that he is a Director of the club even though he signed same. The Elections Committee was therefore right in concluding that the endorsement by Victory Club Warriors FC in the nomination form is not “errrors in the completion of such documents.. .” as stated in paragraph 2.36 of the Supplementary Written Submissions of Mr. George Kwasi Afriyie.
Article 8(3) of the GFA Regulations on Elections provides as follows; “At the latest two days after the deadline for submission of candidatures, the Elections Committee shall inform in writing candidates who have failed to provide all the relevant documents in support of their candidatures and grant them another three days to complete their applications
We wish to state that this provision is not applicable to the facts of this case. A review of the Checklist for 2023 GFA elections shows that Mr. George Kwasi Afriyie submitted all documents in support of his application. It is not the case that a police clearance certificate or passport picture had not been included which would have warranted the application of Article 8(3) of the Election Regulations.
The invalidity of any document submitted cannot be cured by reference to Article 8(3) of the Elections Regulations. Indeed, if Mr. George Kwasi Afriyie had submitted an invalid Tax Clearance certificate or an invalid Police Clearance certificate, it would have made his nomination invalid. M . George Kwasi Afriyie’s nomination was supported by only four members of the GFA and therefore his nomination is not valid. In the circumstances, e shall dismiss th appeal.
AGBESI K DZAKPAS
CHAIRMA!NI
* AGBESI K DZAKPASU DR. BELLA BELLO BITUGU
DAVID ASUMDA
ABDUL A IZ MUSAH
EMMANUEL KWASI OPARE WIREDU
GFA Appeals Committee upholds Elections Committee decision to disqualify George Afriyie for 2023 presidential race
George Afriyie’s appeal against his disqualification from the upcoming 2023 Ghana Football Association (GFA) presidential elections has been denied.
Afriyie was disqualified earlier this month by the Elections Committee for failing to meet the criteria outlined in Article 13(2)(j) of the Ghana Football Association statutes, 2019, and for not garnering the required support from fellow GFA members for his candidacy.
He had the opportunity to file an appeal, which he did successfully, but the Appeals Committee has upheld the earlier decision, effectively barring Afriyie from participating in the impending election.
Per the notice of appeal, dated 8th September 2023, George Kwasi Afriyie challenged the Elections Committee’s decision disqualifying him as a candidate for the GFA presidency.
The Appeals Committee reviewed all relevant documents, including those submitted by Afriyie, the Elections Committee’s decision, and video footage of Afriyie’s vetting, as well as interviews conducted by the Elections Committee.
The main issue to be determined was whether or not George Kwasi Afriyie was rightfully disqualified by the Elections Committee.
One of Afriyie’s claims was that the Elections Committee was constituted of six persons instead of the required five.
However, the Appeals Committee clarified that the sixth person mentioned by Afriyie was the in-house lawyer of the Ghana Football Association, who played an administrative role and did not increase the composition of the panel from five to six.
Additionally, Afriyie had claimed that he had submitted six GFA member endorsements for his nomination. Still, the Appeals Committee found that he had provided only five valid endorsements as per the standard nomination form, which allowed for a maximum of five endorsements.
The Elections Committee’s disqualification of Afriyie was primarily based on an endorsement from Victory Club Warriors F/C, which was deemed incompetent due to the signatory, Mr Jeffery Asare, not being a director of the club or an authorised signatory as officially registered with the GFA. Despite Afriyie’s arguments, the Appeals Committee affirmed the Elections Committee’s decision.
The outcome of this ruling has effectively ruled George Afriyie out of contention for the GFA presidency in the upcoming elections, with incumbent President Kurt Okraku now set to go unopposed.
Source:ghanasoccernet
English FA rescind Kamaldeen Sulemana’s red card against Leicester City
Ghanaian winger Kamaldeen Sulemana will be available for Southampton’s match against Ipswich Town following a successful appeal of his red card.
Late in the game against Leicester City over the weekend, the Black Stars attacker was sent off for a contentious foul on defender James Justin.
The verdict was reversed by the review team after the Saints appealed it.
Southampton manager confirmed the availability of Sulemana and defender Jan Bednarek for Tuesday’s game.
“Flynn Downes came off and is a bit doubtful for tomorrow. It’s not going to be a long one, but it’s touch and go for tomorrow,” he said in a pre-match presser.
“Jan Bednarek is back in the squad and we won our appeal with Kamaldeen, so Kamaldeen is in the squad which is good news.”
Sulemana was only making his first appearance of the season in the game last Friday after fully recovery from an injury that kept him out since the start of the new campaign.
He missed the games against the Central African Republic and Liberia during the international break.
Legon Cities coach Paa Kwesi Fabin thrilled with win over Karela United
Legon Cities FC head coach, Paa Kwesi Fabin says he is thrilled with the performance of his charges against Karela United on Sunday.
The Royals came from behind to beat Karela 2-1 on matchday 1 of the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League at the El-wak Stadium in Accra.
Karela United took the lead through Kharem Ayeh before Fabin’s boys scored two goals in the second half through youngster Frank Antwi to secure all three points for the home side.
Speaking to the media after the game, Paa Kwesi Fabin praised his players for confidently winning the tie.
“We played well. The organization was good. We were unlucky to go down after a brilliant start. I told the boys in the dressing room, I am proud of their first half performance but let’s go again in the second half with more confidence and urgency.
He showered praises on young attacker Frank Antwi who put up a man-of-the-match performance.
“Frank Antwi is a real talent and he will go far. This is just the beginning, let’s take it game after game.”
Legon Cities FC will play as guest to Accra Lions on week two of the Ghana Premier League this weekend.
“Ghana is a good option, but….” – Callum Hudson-Odoi considering playing for Black Stars
Callum Hudson-Odoi has voiced his consideration of the prospect of playing for Ghana’s senior national team, the Black Stars despite having previously played for England.
Ghana has been keeping an eye on the 23-year-old, who recently signed with Nottingham Forest, and talks over his future on the international stage are still ongoing.
Hudson-Odoi, who was raised in Wandsworth, has represented England at various ages, most notably in 2017 when he helped Steve Cooper win the Under-17 World Cup.
Hudson-Odoi acknowledged that playing for Ghana is a “very good option,” but he is taking time to make the decision.
“That decision hasn’t been made yet. I’m still thinking it over. Ghana is a very good option but let’s wait and see,” he told The Telegraph.
He also mentioned that once he starts playing for Nottingham Forest, the decision may become clearer.
Black Stars coach Chris Hughton confirmed earlier this year that he had established contact with both Hudson-Odoi and Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah. Both players have previously represented England at various youth levels.
However, it is worth noting that Nketiah has since accepted his first senior invitation to the England national team. Unfortunately, Nketiah did not receive any playing time in the games under Coach Gareth Southgate, which leaves him eligible for selection by Ghana.
Kotoko coach Prosper Ogum satisfied with team’s performance against Heart of Lions
Asante Kotoko’s head coach, Prosper Narteh Ogum, has expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance although Kpando Heart of Lions held his side to a scoreless draw on Sunday at the Baba Yara Stadium.
The Porcupine Warriors wanted to start the 2023/24 league season off in a big or smooth way after rivals Hearts had lost in the season’s opener, but they faced a competitive Lions outfit that continuously threatened an upset.
In the second half, Mustapha Yakubu, the dangerous player for the Lions, scored off a rebound, but the assistant referee raised his flag for offside.
However, television replays indicate that the decision was poor.
Ogum’s team, which included both old and new players, displayed encouraging early-season indicators that they would improve.
He told StarTimes’ Prince Annang aft the game that : “Yeah, I’m okay with it. I’m satisfied because we have a blend of new and old players trying to get the game model going. So, to me what I saw today is good of individual player.
“But then we can do better. It’s good, better, best. So, what I saw was good. I’m okay with it.”
Kotoko will play Bibiani GoldStars in their next game at the Dun’s Park.