TIG Post

Tag: GFA

  • New Edubiase United president Abdul Salam wants season to be cancelled

    New Edubiase United president Abdul Salam Yakubu is arguing for the 2019/20 football season to be nullified.

    Like the rest of the world, all football activities in the country have been put on hold due to coronavirus pandemic.

    Yakubu, whose side play in the National Division One League, does not see how the season would be completed in time before the start of the next campaign in August.

    “The GFA have to give us time to prepare our team when the pandemic is over to play the second round, because you can’t tell us to resume immediately (play the following week),” he told Asempa FM.

    “We need at least two weeks to a month to prepare and play the league of which time is not on our side because we want to synchronize with the European calendar.

    ”Clubs also are not disciplined as regards fielding unqualified players which need to be addressed because it will affect the league.

    “The 2019/20 football should be voided for us to go to Congress.”

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • GFA suspends Bechem United coach Kwaku Danso

    The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has slapped Bechem United head coach Kwaku Danso with a three-match suspension and a fine of GH¢5000 [€800] for “misconduct” during a Premier League match.

    The punishment is in relation to his behaviour during a matchweek eight clash with Medeama.

    He was charged on four counts.

    “Count One indicated that Kwaku Danso interfered with the progress of the match in the 88th minute of the match against Medeama by making disparaging comments about the referee, which brought the match to a temporary stop contrary to Regulation 34(1)(a) of the GFA Premier League Regulations (2019),” the GFA announced in a statement via its official website.

    “Count Two indicated that, Kwaku Danso allegedly incited the players against the match officials contrary to Regulation 34(1)(b) of the Premier League Regulations and Article 11(1) of the GFA Disciplinary Code(2019). The particulars of the offence also indicated that after Medeama scored a goal and while the referee was about to restart play, the head coach led two other officials of Bechem United onto the field of play to question the Referee as the propriety of the 15 minutes time added on.

    “Count Three indicated that Kwaku Danso allegedly used abusive language against the match officials after the match impugning their integrity and competence contrary to Regulation 34(3) (c) of the GFA Premier League Regulations(2019) and Articles 11(2) (b) and 11(2) (d) of the GFA Disciplinary Code(2020).

    “Count Four indicated that the Head Coach allegedly made remarks which implied improper conduct and bias on the part of the Referee bringing the game into disrepute contrary to Regulation 34(6)(d) of the GFA Premier League Regulations.”

    Danso was not the only member of his club to cop a fine and suspension as Osei Yaw Collins and Godfred Yeboah Berko were also similarly punished.

    Bechem currently are eighth on the league table.

    Source: Goal.com

  • GFA won’t appeal CAF fine for Awal’s pitch invasion – Henry Asante

    The Ghana Football Association has confirmed that they will not appeal CAF’s fine for Awal Suleman’s pitch-invasion during AFCON qualifier last year.

    A statement from GFA on Wednesday said: The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has fined Ghana an amount of Ten Thousand US Dollars (US$10,000) for the invasion of the field of play by a soccer fan.

    This is in relation to the incident that occurred at the latter stages of the Black Stars’ win over South Africa in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at the Cape Coast Stadium on November 14, 2019.

    CAF Disciplinary Board fined Ghana the amount of US$10,000 for the incident after studying the reports from the match officials.

    Reacting to the news, the Communications Director of GFA, Henry Asante Twum indicated that the country’s football governing body will not appeal the decision.

    “I mentioned that we were expecting more not because I said we were expecting CAF to fine us with an amount that is more than what they decided on.

    But sometimes there have been situations where the venue is banned from hosting all CAF competitions but in our case, Cape Coast is still intact, we were even preparing to host Sudan in Cape Coast until the Covid-19 forced CAF to postpone all the games. Venue has not been touched, there hasn’t been any punitive measure on Ghana with as regards what we intend to do going forward.

    All CAF said was that we have been fined 10000 dollars for the incidence, so I think it is something that is manageable from the side of the FA I don’t think we will appeal.

    We will allow the verdict to run and now what we intend doing is to engage government and see how we will make the payment. ”

    Henry Asante further cautioned Ghanaians never to invade pitches as it has huge consequences on the nation.

    Source: Primenewsghana.com

  • Cancelling GPL will be a big blow to Chelsea – Chelsea chief

    Berekum Chelsea administrative manager Francis Adjei believes it is too early to decide the future of the Ghana Premier League following its disruption by the coronavirus pandemic.

    The top-flight, like almost all others in other nations, has been ground to a halt in the wake of the outbreak which has so far infected nearly 450,000 persons worldwide, claiming almost 20,000 lives.

    The league, scheduled to resume after a month, was halted two weeks ago following a presidential directive banning all public gatherings, including sporting activities in Ghana.

    But with the pandemic showing no signs of coming under control in two weeks time, inevitably, there would be two ultimate options in the case of a prolonged suspension: cancelling the current season for an all-new one or continuing with the current season regardless of the return date.

    Adjei, who is also a member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Premier League Management Committee, shared his thoughts in an interview with Goal.

    “As a club administrator and a member of the Premier League Management Committee, I know we cannot just stand up and cancel the league. We have to consider all factors,” Adjei said when quizzed about the situation.

    “If I say it should continue, I should be able to give you a very good reason why it should. And if I say it shouldn’t, I would have to give you a good reason too.

    “For now things are not clear. Should the return date be shifted again, the GFA will definitely tell us something, then we can use that to know the pros and cons of each possible decision.”

    Currently second on the league table after 15 rounds of games, Chelsea will be among the hardest-hit clubs should the season be annulled as they are in a good position for a first league title.

    “It will be a big blow because we’ve worked hard for this,” continued Adjei.

    “This season has not been an easy one. This is one of the toughest seasons we are playing. We’ve tried to invest a lot to get a good position and probably win the league.

    “Should we have to cancel the league for a very good reason, we will understand and accept the decision for the greater good. It will be a big setback but we have to stand with the GFA in times of difficulty.”

    Ghana has so far recorded 68 confirmed cases of Covid-19, involving two deaths.

    Source: Goal.com

  • Nyantakyi, Alhassan trial adjourned to April 28

    The case of Kwesi Nyantakyi, the former Ghana Football Association (GFA) President and Abubakar Alhassan, ex-Chairman of Northern Regional Football Association (RFA) saddled in a football scandal following Tiger Eye PI expose, has been adjourned to April 28, by an Accra High Court.

    When the matter was called Nyantakyi was present but his accomplice, Alhassan was absent.

    Prosecuting Victoria Asieduaa, Principal State Attorney said the state would oblige the absence of Alhassan for today, but subsequently it would ask for bench warrant for his arrest.

    Ms. Asieduaa said the state has filed the necessary disclosures but that was not exhaustive.

    The Principal State Attorney therefore prayed the court to grant her a week to file the rest of the disclosures.

    Mr. Richard Laapo, who represented Alhassan said his client could not make it to court because his flight was cancelled.

    Mr. Laapo who also held the brief of Mr. Thaddeus Sory, counsel for Nyantakyi, therefore prayed the court to excuse Alhassan for today.

    Nyantakyi and Alhassan have been charged with conspiracy to commit crime.

    Nyantakyi is facing additional charges of corruption by a public officer and fraud by an agent.

    They have however denied the charges and have been admitted to bail in the sum of one million cedis with three sureties each, one of the sureties is to be justified.

    The court presided over by Ms. Justice Comfort Tsiame ordered the accused to be reporting to the Police every Friday until otherwise directed by the court.

    Ms. Victoria Asiedua, Principal State Attorney prosecuting told the court, that Nyantakyi also a former President of Zone B of the West African Football Union (WAFU) and former Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and former Council member of the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA).

    Prosecution said Alhassan is also former Executive Committee member of the GFA.

    Ms. Asieduaa said Tiger Eye PI is a private international investigation agency which conducted investigations into the activities of the GFA in the year 2016.

    Prosecution said following the outcome of the 2016 investigations Tiger Eye Pi in 2017, presented itself to the accused as a representative of H.H Shiek Hammad Al Thani, a member of the ruling royal family of Qatar and Medgulf Company Limited, a company in Qatar.

    The Prosecution said Tiger Eye presented to the accused that Medgulf was desirous of sponsoring the Ghana Premier League (GPL) and other GFA activities as well as infrastructural construction, oil refinery and banking among others in Ghana.

    Prosecution said at a meeting held with the accused on October 7, 2017 at the Jude Palace Hotel in Dubai, Tiger Eye held its self as H.H Sheikh Hammad Al Thani, his secretary that Dr. Marzuk A. Albadawir and other staff of the Sheikh as jointly representing Medgulf while Nyantakyi presented himself as a powerful person and a potential public officer who could influence the President, Vice President, Minister for Roads and Highways and Transport of Ghana to promote the business interest of Medgulf in Ghana.

    According to prosecution at that meeting, it was agreed between Tiger Eye and the accused that Medgulf would sponsor the GPL with sum of $15 million for a three-year period resulting in the execution of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Medgulf and non-existent company named at Namax Company that would represent the interest of Medgulf in Ghana.

    Prosecution said the MOU was signed by Nyantakyi, where he was described as President of GFA, acting on behalf of Namax.

    The Prosecution said the signature of Nyantakyi was witnessed by Alhassan and was further agreed between Tiger eye and two accused that all monies paid by Medgulf into Ghana would be channeled through Fountain Savings and Loans Limited, a firm in which Nyantakyi held majority Shares.

    She said Tiger Eye paid $65,000 to Nyantakyi as inducement for showing favour to Medgulf as a potential sponsor of the GPL and to provide businesses opportunities for Medgulf in Ghana.

    Prosecution said Tiger Eye also paid for the cost of the accommodation and travel expenses of both accused to and from Dubai.

    Prosecution said Nyantakyi also demanded from Tiger Eye the sum of $12million dollars to influence the award of contracts to Medgulf in Ghana to be distributed in the following manner.

    The President of Ghana, the Vice President, Minister and Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways and the two accused.

    The prosecution said the accused made several demands for the payment of $ 12 million as well as GPL sponsorship money with the promise to Dr. Alabdawir, a supposed secretary to Medgulf $100,000 per a year for three years as 10 per cent commission on the sponsorship amount and $20,000 as appearance fee.

    Prosecution said Tiger Eye refused to yield to the demands of the accused and later lodged a complaint with the Police.

    Source: GNA

  • GFA slapped with $10,000 fine due to Cape Coast pitch invader

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has fined Ghana an amount of Ten Thousand US Dollars (US$10,000) for the invasion of the field of play by a soccer fan.

    This is in relation to the incident that occurred at the latter stages of the Black Stars’ win over South Africa in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at the Cape Coast Stadium on November 14, 2019.

    CAF Disciplinary Board fined Ghana the amount of US$10,000 for the incident after studying the reports from the match officials.

    It would be recalled that 25-year-old Awal Suleman, who sprinted across the pitch, was sentenced to pay the fine of GHc2,400 by the Cape Coast Circuit Court for breaching public disturbance laws.

    “There is a need for lovers of our national teams to behave appropriately within the laws of game. This is really important because our actions have consequences for the GFA and the State at large. We will continue to educate the patrons of the game but there will be mechanisms to ensure that fans who cause the Nation to lose money in this manner are brought to book,” said General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo.

    Source: ghanafa.org

  • GFA closes offices countrywide over coronavirus fears

    The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has closed its offices until further notice because of Coronavirus concerns.

    Members of the GFA including clubs, Regional Football Associations, etc are being reminded to use the online systems of the GFA (email, Registration System – FIFA Connect) to communicate with the Secretariat until the offices reopen.

    The GFA will continue to engage with the Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service on the next steps and inform our staff and stakeholders accordingly of any changes.

    This is part of the precautionary measures being undertaken by the Executive Council of the GFA to curb the spread of the pandemic.

    The GFA is also reminding clubs that are still engaged in training to desist with immediate effect and fully respect the directive from H.E. President Nana Addo Dankwa AkufoAddo.

    Source: ghanafa.org

  • Coronavirus: Stop training GFA to clubs

    The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has warned clubs that are still engaged in training to desist with immediate effect and fully respect the ban on social gathering and observation of social distance as directed by President Nana Addo Dankwa AkufoAddo to stop the spread of COVID-19.

    Ghana has recorded 11 cases of COVID-19 so far.

    The GFA has, also, closed its offices until further notice because of Coronavirus concerns.

    The GFA says its members including clubs, Regional Football Associations among others are to use the online systems of the Associatioin (email, Registration System – FIFA Connect) to communicate with the Secretariat until the offices reopen.

    The GFA noted that it will continue to engage with the Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service on the next steps and inform its staff and stakeholders accordingly of any changes.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • English manager Steve Rutter applies for GFA technical director job

    English manager Steve Rutter has applied for the technical director role of the Ghana Football Association, according to local media reports.

    The position was left vacant after the governing body announced that long-serving Technical Director, Mr. Francis Oti Akenteng will be vacating the position when his contract expires at the end of March 2020.

    Rutter is a holder UEFA License A and has been a worked with clubs in England and other European clubs.

    The 57-year-old was the assistant manager of Greece giants Panathinaikos FC from 2013 to 2015. He became a caretaker manager before leaving the club.

    Source: footballmadeinghana.com

  • Pay me my money – Kwasi Appiah barks at GFA

    Former Black Stars Head, Coach Kwesi Appiah, is demanding for his unpaid salary arrears of $175,000 from the Ghana Football Association (GFA), according to reports.

    Appiah was on a $35,000 monthly salary and was owed in arrears for five months amounting to $175,000 before his contract expired in December 2019.

    The report further states that Kwesi Appiah has written to the Ghana FA through his Lawyer for payments to be done.

    The Ghana Football Association earlier on wrote to the ex-Black Stars coach to hand over all properties given to him during this tenure as head coach of the national team.

    Appiah has returned the official car giving to him by the government to the Ghana FA but is yet to return the keys to his residence.

    Source: happyghana.com

  • Ghana coach C.K. Akonnor to earn $20,000 monthly salary – Ministry, GFA agree

    The Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ghana Football Association have reached an agreement to pay Black Stars coach C.K Akonnor a whooping $20,000 salary a month.

    Charles Kwablan Akonnor was named coach of the senior national team in January after a brief spell as assistant to former gaffer Kwesi Appiah.

    His assistant David Duncan will receive $ 10,000 as his monthly salary with the other national team coaches taking between $5000 to $2000 per month.

    The Ghana Football Association will hand the official contract to the various coaches in the coming days as they usher in a new era.

    C.K Akonnor made 41 appearances and scored 12 goals for Ghana before beginning his coaching career at Sekondi Eleven Wise.

    He went on to coach Hearts of Oak, Dreams FC, Ashantigold and Asante Kotoko.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Ghana FA summons Ashanti Gold president over Premier League match-fixing allegations

    The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has sent out an invitation to Ashanti Gold president Kwaku Frimpong in relation to his claims of match manipulation of the club’s recent Premier League encounter with Wafa.

    On Matchweek 12 of the top-flight earlier this month, the Miners suffered a humiliation at the hands of the Academy Boys who registered a 6-1 home win at Sogakope’s Wafa Sports Complex.

    Comments by Frimpong on radio after the game, however, alleged their heavy defeat may have been fixed.

    “The Compliance and Integrity Unit of the Ghana Football Association has written to AshantiGold SC President Dr Kwaku Frimpong seeking clarification about a statement he purportedly made after their Ghana Premier League fixture against WAFA at Sogakope on 1st March 2020,” the GFA announced on its official website on Friday night.

    “Dr Frimpong is said to have alleged that the game was manipulated. He further stated in an interview on Kumasi-based Ashh FM that he sensed elements of betting in the game.

    “Dr Frimpong is being asked to confirm making the statement and if true assist the GFA with details of evidence available to him.

    “The Code of Ethics 2019 of the Ghana Football Association requires participants of Ghana football including club executives (Dr Kwaku Frimpong) to corporate with the Unit to investigate incidents in match manipulation.

    “It must also be noted that the Code of Ethics and the Disciplinary Code prohibits the making of false allegations without proof.”

    Ashanti Gold, the third most successful club in the history of the Premier League with four titles, currently sit sixth on the table.

    The Obuasi-based side is set to play as guests of Karela United in Matchweek 15 on Sunday.

    Source: Goal.com

  • Ghana FA summons Ashanti Gold president over Premier League match-fixing allegations

    The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has sent out an invitation to Ashanti Gold president Kwaku Frimpong in relation to his claims of match manipulation of the club’s recent Premier League encounter with Wafa.

    On Matchweek 12 of the top-flight earlier this month, the Miners suffered a humiliation at the hands of the Academy Boys who registered a 6-1 home win at Sogakope’s Wafa Sports Complex.

    Comments by Frimpong on radio after the game, however, alleged their heavy defeat may have been fixed.

    “The Compliance and Integrity Unit of the Ghana Football Association has written to AshantiGold SC President Dr Kwaku Frimpong seeking clarification about a statement he purportedly made after their Ghana Premier League fixture against WAFA at Sogakope on 1st March 2020,” the GFA announced on its official website on Friday night.

    “Dr Frimpong is said to have alleged that the game was manipulated. He further stated in an interview on Kumasi-based Ashh FM that he sensed elements of betting in the game.

    “Dr Frimpong is being asked to confirm making the statement and if true assist the GFA with details of evidence available to him.

    “The Code of Ethics 2019 of the Ghana Football Association requires participants of Ghana football including club executives (Dr Kwaku Frimpong) to corporate with the Unit to investigate incidents in match manipulation.

    “It must also be noted that the Code of Ethics and the Disciplinary Code prohibits the making of false allegations without proof.”

    Ashanti Gold, the third most successful club in the history of the Premier League with four titles, currently sit sixth on the table.

    The Obuasi-based side is set to play as guests of Karela United in Matchweek 15 on Sunday.

    Source: Goal.com

  • Ghana Football Association’s statement on Coronavirus

    The Ghana Football Association wishes to inform stakeholders and the entire football fraternity that the GFA is closely monitoring the evolvement of the Coronavirus around the world and particularly in Africa.

    As espoused by His Excellency the President of Ghana Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Wednesday, we each have a responsibility to ensure Ghana is safe. The President assured the country that Government is taking steps to handle any adverse impacts the outbreak could have on the country. This statement is very encouraging and assuring.

    The GFA has therefore decided to maintain the schedule of all competitions as we continue to liaise with Government, the Ghana Health Service and the Ministry of Health and follow all national health protocols on the matter.

    The GFA has also taken notice of the statement from the Confederation of African Football on the virus.

    The GFA will continue to support government efforts by appealing to all participants of football, media and the general public to report suspected cases to nearby health centres and hospitals or call hotlines 0558439868/0509497700 for prompt action as directed by Government.

    Source: ghanafa.org

  • SWAG to inaugurate Eastern Region chapter on March 14

    The Sports Writers’ Association of Ghana (SWAG) will inaugurate its Eastern Regional Branch on Saturday, March 14, 2020 in Koforidua.

    The Eastern Region which boasts of a vibrant sports media from radio, television and print is the fifth biggest in the media landscape in Ghana with about 37 radio stations, four television stations with correspondents for the national newspapers and portals.

    The inauguration is expected to bring together all sports writers and broadcasters from some major towns in the region like; Nkawkaw, Afram Plains, Kade, Nsawam, Koforidua, etc

    The Conference Hall of Bedtime Hotel will host the inauguration of SWAG’s newest branch which will be conducted by President Kwabena Yeboah and members of the National Executive Council. The national ExCo will induct an interim regional executives and name patrons for the regional branch.

    General Secretary of SWAG, Charles Osei Asibey told www.swagghana.com “the Eastern Regional Branch of SWAG will be the fifth of the branches inaugurated within the last few months and we will soon move to the Western and Northern Regions in making sure all practicing sports journalist come under one umbrella.

    The national secretariat is therefore calling on all practicing sports journalists to join the mother body, SWAG in any region they find themselves.

    SWAG, the umbrella body for sports journalist in the country has been in existence for over 50 years and currently have inaugurated branches in Bono, Ashanti and the Volta Regions.

    SWAG is noted for honouring sports excellence annually through the SWAG Awards and the SWAG Cup which is often contested for by the top football clubs in Ghana annually.

    The Eastern Regional inauguration is supported by in Joy Dadi Industries and Bedtime Hotel.

    Source: swagghana.com

  • Bernard Morrison’s free-kick wins Dar Es Salaam derby for Yanga

    Bernard Morrison’s terrific free-kick won the Dar Es Salaam Derby for Yanga SC who beat Simba 1-0 on Sunday.

    The former AshantiGold player was hauled at the edge of the box by Kennedy Juma and he elected himself for the kick.

    Morrison delivered a powerful shot into the roof in the 44th-minute beating goal Aisha Manula.

    The win at the National Stadium takes Yanga back to the third position with 50 points one less than Azam but have two games in hand.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • GFA to sack Oti-Akenteng by March ending

    Ghana Football Association (GFA) Technical Director Francis Oti-Akenteng will leave his post when his contract expires this month, Happy Sports can confirm.

    The FIFA/CAF instructed has been informed his contract will not be renewed when it expires on 31 March, 2020.

    According to our source, Oti Akenteng has received the letter from the General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo to that effect and will end his mandate on 31 March, 2020.

    Source: Happyghana.com

  • GFA technical director Oti Akenteng bows out in March after a decade in post

    Ghana FA technical director Francis Oti-Akenteng will exit his post at the end of this month, GHANAsoccernet.com can confirm.

    Oti Akenteng has been told his contract will not be renewed when it ends on 31 March, 2020, by the Ghana Football Association.

    GHANAsoccernet.com understands that FIFA/CAF instructor has been given a letter to that effect by the General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo.

    Coach Francis Oti Akenteng brings his work to an end as the technical director of the FA after a decade in charge.

    According to reports Coach Bashir Hayford has expressed his delight to take over from Oti Akenteng as the new technical director of the FA after he left his coaching role in Somalia.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • GFA, Ghana Boxing Authority, others suck GHC630,000 from GNPC funds

    It has emerged that the Ghana Football Association, Ghana Boxing Association and Ghana Golf Association benefited from a spending spree undertaken by the Ghana National Petroleum Commission in 2018 and 2019.

    GNPC documents chanced upon by GhanaWeb revealed that the board in 2018 and 2019 approved a total of GHC630,000 as donations to the aforementioned organizations.

    The GFA were the biggest beneficiaries, bagging a whopping GHC500,0000 while the GBA and GGA pocketed GHC30,000 and GHC100,000 respectively.

    In a memo written by the Board Secretary, Matilda Ohene and addressed to the Chief Executive of GNPC, Dr. K.K. Sarpong, with the caption “Approval for payment of various sponsorship/support requests”, the GFA, GBA and GGA were listed as beneficiaries of the donations/sponsorships of the GFA.

    The memo which approved the payment of the GHC500, 000 is dated October 24, 2018, and happened a year after parliament warned GNPC to stop sponsoring the Black Stars.

    It also came barely three months after the Anas expose which means at the time, Dr Kofi Amoah was the head of the association.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Fred Crentsil named Match Commissioner for Togo Vs Egypt AFCON qualifier

    Frederick Eric Crentsil, an astute Football Administrator and former GFA Vice President has been named as Match Commissioner for the Togo Vs Egypt 2021 AFCON qualifying match.

    The match which is scheduled for the March 29 2020 will be played at the Lomé Stadium in Togo.

    Other officials for the match are Issa Sy(Referee), Nouha Bangoura (Assistant referee 1) and Amadou Ngom(Assistant referee 2)all from Senegal with Adalbert Diouf as Fourth Official.

    Referee Assessor for the match is Lemghaifry Bouchaab from Mauritania.

    Source: ghanafa.org

  • Central Regional exco to elect vice chairman at maiden meeting today

    The newly elected members of the Central Regional Football Association Executive Council will today Monday February hold its first meeting at the regional office at Robert Mensah Park, Cape Coast.

    High on the agenda will be election of the vice chairman to Mr Robert Oteiku Duncan

    Deep throat source within the council has hinted that Cheetah Football Club President ABDUL HAYE YARTEY and FRANCIS AYIAH BEDIAKO a Doctor at the University of Cape Coast are in strong contention for the number two football gentleman in the region.

    Even though it is not clear is to who will carry the day,the two gentlemen for the past three days have been vigorously lobbying other council members to win votes.

    Below are the full list of elected CRFA ExCO
    CHAIRMAN
    ROBERT OTEIKU DUCAN

    WOMEN FOOTBALL
    FAUSTINA LARIBA KWARA

    JUVENILE
    CHRISTIAN MENSAH
    HARUNA ISSAH

    COACHES
    BASHIRU HAYFORD

    REFEREES REP
    DAWSON AMOAH

    DIVISION TWO REPS
    ABDUL HAYE YARTEY
    FRANCIS AYIAH BEDIAKO
    KELLY DADSON

    DFA REPS
    OHENEBA TUTU SAMUEL
    PRINCE NYARKOH

    The meeting will also discuss amongst other things the launch of the 2019/2020 season which kicks off 21st and 22nd of March across the Country and officiating fees.

    Source: ghanaguardian.com

  • Kurt Okraku committing too many blunders – Kofi Manu

    Veteran football administrator, Kofi Manu has waved into the administration of Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku while indicating that he is committing too many blunders.

    Assessing the first 3 months Kurt Okraku has been in office, Kofi Manu has questioned why referees and match commissioners have not been paid but the country’s football governing body is still making appointments.

    The experienced football administrator quizzed, “A little football that we are playing in the 11th week, we haven’t paid referees, match commissioners, and within your 3 months space, you are employing over 5 people to the secretariat, where is the money to make payment for them?

    Kofi Manu who believes too many blunders are being committed by the Ghana FA boss says he might be surrounded by the wrong people who are advising him wrongly.

    “I think that Kurt is committing too many blunders within his 3 months in office. I always say and will repeat that in this world, we don’t have bad leaders but have bad advisers surrounding leaders, very bad ones”, Kofi Manu told Light FM.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Saddick Adams to get GFA communications job

    The Ghana football association according to unconfirmed reports is set to appoint Angel FM journalist, Saddick Adams popularly know as the SportsObama as the deputy communications director.

    The association’s acting communication director Taminu Issah turned in his resignation letter on Wednesday and that has compelled the FA to act with immediate effect hence appointing new communications director.

    The Former Atinka Fm journalist will be deputy to Henry Twum Asante who is set to be confirmed as the new Ghana FA communications director.

    The 2018 sports journalists of the year has been tipped by many sports lovers of the nation to do a great work should he be appointed as the deputy communications director of the FA.

    Source: ghanaguardian.com

  • GFA announce match officials for GPL match day 10 games

    The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced match officials for match day 10 of the 2019/20 Ghana Premier League.

    Below are the officials:

    Match: ACCRA HEARTS OF OAK Vs BECHEM UNITED Refeee: Bernard Dumfeh Asst 1: Tijani Mohammed Asst2: Alex Osam 4th Ref: Gabriel Opoku Arhin M/C: Abaidoo Mensah

    Match: BREKUM CHELSEA Vs INTER ALLIES Refeee: Frederick Samena Asst 1: Thomas Ngimindieye Asst2: Francis Bonzie Arthur 4th Ref: Abdul Latif Qadir M/C: Mark Koudua

    Match: ASANTE KOTOKO Vs ASHANTIGOLD Refeee: Daniel Laryea Asst 1: Paul Atimaka Asst2: Emmanuel Allou Tebson 4th Ref: Maxwell Hanson M/C: A.S Seidu

    Match: EBUSUA DWARFS Vs KARELA UNITED Refeee: Ali Musah Asst 1: Courage Kuedufa Asst2: Augustine Suglo Dakurah 4th Ref: Alphonso Atiapa M/C: Frank Denakpor

    Match: ELEVEN WONDERS Vs KING FAISAL Refeee: Eric Sefah Antwi Asst 1: Ali Timuah Baah Asst2: Halilu Alhassan 4th Ref: Jones Akubiem M/C: Awudu Djan

    Match: MEDEAMA Vs ELMINA SHARKS Refeee:Eric Owusu Prempeh Asst 1: Isaac Nyamekye Asst2: Roland Addy 4th Ref: Christopher Asante M/C: Nana Opare Akufu

    Match: LIBERTY PROFESSIONALS Vs ADUANA STARS Refeee: Martin Akudzi Asst 1: Gilbert Adom Mensah Asst2: Stephen Balanguena 4th Ref: Joshua Samadji M/C: Joseph Yebour Acheampong

    Match: LEGON CITIES Vs GREAT OLYMPICS Refeee: Rustum Senorgbe Asst 1: Paul Dosu Asst2: Richard Appiah 4th Ref: Bismark Appiah M/C: Agyiri Bannor

    Match: WAFA Vs DREAMS FC Refeee: Patrick Okyere Asst 1: Kwasi Acheampong Brobbey Asst2: Emmanuel Dolagbanu 4th Ref: Benjamin K. Sefa M/C: Collins Adu Yebour

    Source: ghanafa.org

  • AshantiGold risks GFA sanctions if head coach Gokyildiz returns to dug-out

    The Ghana Football Association has revoked the provisional license of AshantiGold coach Kasim Gokyildiz’s with immediate effect.

    The governing body says it cannot authenticate the UEFA A Coaching License of the Turkish trainer.

    “The Ghana Football Association (GFA) per its checks with both the German Football Association and the Turkish Football Federation is unable to validate the authenticity of Mr Gokyildiz’s license,” a letter signed by General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo read.

    “In the foregoing, the provisional license issued to Mr. Gokyildiz is hereby revoked.

    “Consequently, the GFA would delete his name from the Competition Management System and you are by this letter requested to cease using Kasim Gokyildiz as your Head Coach, failing which the necessary sanctions (s) shall apply. This directive is with immediate effect.”

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • GFA bans Referee Hamid Sessay for four matches

    The Referees Committee of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has handed a four-match ban to Referee Hamid Sessay following the Ghana Premier League match between Great Olympics and West Africa Football Academy (WAFA) at the Accra Sports Stadium.

    The decision was followed after the committee received two complaints from the home side, Great Olympics on the performance of the Referee.

    The first complaint was on a penalty claim after Gladson Awako “was heavily brought down” on 62nd minute inside the penalty box.

    The second complaint relates to a foul on the same player in the 70th minute which Olympics again felt they deserved a penalty.

    After a critical review, the Committee found that the referee was correct not to give a penalty in the complaint on the 62nd-minute because the incident happened outside the box and there was no contact between the defender and the attacking player.

    However, it was found out that the second incident merited a penalty because the defender brought down the Olympics forward in the penalty box in the full view of the referee.

    The referee, therefore, made a clear and obvious error in ignoring it.

    The committee also found that Referee Hamid Sessay was generally not at his best for that particular game.

    It was therefore recommended that a four-match ban be placed on referee Sessay for the clear and obvious error. The length of the ban takes into account the fact that this is the first infraction on his part this season.

    Source: GNA

  • GFA successfully holds meeting with premier league clubs

    The Ghana Football Association leadership has successfully held a meeting with representatives from the 18 Ghana Premier League sides

    The meeting was organized to help both the GFA and the clubs dialogue on happenings so far this season as well have talks on the future. Present

    The ongoing league season has been an exciting one with the buzz all over the respective platforms

    There has been fierce competition among the competing clubs so far with the Top 5 teams on the table all having 17 points.

    More details soon…

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

     

  • GFA slaps four-match ban on referee Hamid Sessay

    The GFA Referees Committee took this decision after receiving two complaints from Great Olympics on the performance of the Referee.

    The first complaint was on a penalty claim after Gladson Awako “was heavily brought down” on 62nd minute inside the penalty box.

    The second complaint relates to a foul on the same player in the 70th minute which Olympics again felt they deserved a penalty.

    After a critical review, the Committee found that the referee was correct not to give a penalty in the complaint on the 62nd-minute because the incident happened outside the box and there was no contact between the defender and the attacking player.

    However, it was found out that the second incident merited a penalty because the defender brought down the Olympics forward in the penalty box in the full view of the referee. The referee, therefore, made a clear and obvious error in ignoring it.

    The committee also found that Referee Hamid Sessay was generally not at his best for that particular game.

    It was therefore recommended that a four-match ban be placed on referee Sessay for the clear and obvious error. The length of the ban takes into account the fact that this is the first infraction on his part this season.

    Source: ghanafa.org

  • Princella Okyere provides three assists on FC Gintra debut

    Midfielder Princella Okyere sparkled on her debut for FC Gintra Universitetas by providing three assists in their 7-0 win over MFK Kauno Žagiris.

    The Ghana international was playing in the Lithuanian Women’s Winter Tournament.

    She posted on her Twitter account: “Happy to have assisted 3 goals on my debut for Fc Gintra Universitetas against MFK Kauno Žagiris. More coming your way in subsequent matches. God is the reason #KAKA14.”

    Okyere has signed a one-year deal after leaving Spanish side Rayo Femenino

    Source: GHAHAsoccernet.com

  • Ghanaian midfielder in trouble over ‘Jesus loves you’ shirt

    Sint Truiden midfielder Samuel Asamoah has touched on his sending off during their 5-2 win against KAS Eupen in the Belgian Jupilar Pro Elague over the weekend.

    Asamoah scored a hat-trick in the game as the Canaries run-riot their opponents 5-2 in front of their supporters at the Stayen Stadium.

    The Ghanaian did not complete the match as he was given his marching orders for two bookable offenses.

    He was handed a caution by referee Christof Dierick in the 52nd minute before facing the rigorous of the law after partially removing his shirt in the wake of scoring his third goal of the night.

    Asamoah wanted to show off the Jesus loves you’ inscription on his shirt after netting his first hat-trick in the season.

    “Of course I knew that I was not allowed to do that,” Asamoah said after the game.

    “It was from sheer emotion that I did it. I am especially happy for our team and staff that we are playing such a good game and getting the three points.”

    “I can’t remember when I scored three more times. It must have been a long time ago. I like it. It is a shame that I will have to miss next week’s game, but I have every confidence in our team.”

    Asamoah has scored 4 goals in 24 leagues games for Sint Truiden in the ongoing campaign.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Ghana star Mubarak Wakaso shows off stunning photo of his family

    It looks like Mubarak Wakaso performs a lot of fatherly duties away from the pitch as the Ghana International posted a lovely picture of his family on social media.

    The former Deportivo Alaves midfielder in the photo has his five children wearing the jersey of his former side.

    Wakaso recently completed a move to Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Suning, having spent the last two and half years at Alaves.

    The Black Stars midfielder is currently on holidays due to the delay start of the Chinese Super League as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak.

    SOurce: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • FK Qarabag captain Rashad Sadygov tips Kwabena Owusu for greatness

    FK Qaraba? captain Rashad Sadygov has tipped Kwabena Owusu to be one of the best signings for the club after his impressive cameo debut over the weekend.

    Owusu signed for the Azerbaijani giants on a three-and-a-half-year deal from Spanish outfit CD Leganes during the January transfer window.

    The striker was handed his debut in their goalless draw with arch-rivals Neftci Baku on Saturday.

    Though the 22-year-old failed to get off the mark, showed glimpses of his quality which earned him rave of praises from club captain Sadygov.

    “Owusu looks like a Brazilian player with his dribbles skill. He will be one of the best transfers in Qaraba?,” Sadygov told Azerbaijani football reporter Mehman Ashrafov.

    Owusu netted 6 goals in 17 appearances on loan at Segunda B side Córdoba CF during the first half of the season

    Source: GHANAsccorenet.com

  • Hearts of Oak coach Edward Odoom rues draw with Aduana Stars in Dormaa

    Hearts of Oak coach Edward Nii Odoom has lamented on their goalless draw with Aduana Stars in Week 9 of the ongoing Ghana Premier League on Sunday.

    The Rainbow Club has the better exchanges of the ball and created several chances, hitting the post twice but failed to return from the Dormaa Nana Agyemang-Badu I Park with the maximum.

    The result left the Phobians in 9th place with 12 points after nine games.

    “We were ahead of Aduana Stars tactically. We were suppose to win. We strike the goal post twice,” Edward Nii Odoom told Kickgh.com.

    “I am not happy with the result. We needed the victory at all cost following our drawn game with AshantiGold at home,” he ended.

    Hearts of Oak will host Bechem United in Week 10 of the Ghana Premier League.

    Source: GHANAscoccernet.com

  • We’re ‘defending champions’ – Aduana Stars coach fumes at journalists

    Aduana Stars coach W.O. Tandoh has blasted journalists for not attaching ‘defending champions’ to his outfit name when it is being pronounced.

    Aduana Stars are the defending champions after winning the 2017/18 Ghana Premier League campaign.

    According to Tandoh, despite being the current holders of the title the media is not giving the Dormaa based side the recognition they deserve.

    Speaking to the media after Aduana Stars goalless stalemate against Hearts of Oak, Tandoh descended heavily on the media for being biased towards his outfit.

    “The journalist in this country look bias towards Aduana Stars, why I am I saying so, Aduana is the league champions, we are the defending champions.”

    When have you heard on any media platform that a team is going to play against the defending champions, but rather you will ridicule Aduana and think about Hearts and Kotoko and you are uplifting them. Are they better than Aduana? No, they are older than us.

    “Aduana is the defending champions so I want to urge you the journalists to correct yourselves and note that we are on course, that’s why I always say that Aduana is defending champions, we want everybody to acknowledge that we are league champions.

    Aduana Stars are two-time champions of the Ghana Premier League. They clinched their first in the 2009/10 and the second in 2017/20 season.

    Source: Primenewsghana.com

  • Two police officers facing interdiction after celebrating Asante Kotoko win against Hearts of Oak

    Two police officers who were caught celebrating Asante Kotoko SC’s winning goal against Hearts of Oak at the Accra sports stadium in week 6 of the Ghana Premier League have been interdicted.

    The action of the two officers on the day is said to be against the ethics of police when on duty especially at the stadium.

    The two officers (names withheld) were part of the police officers deployed at the stadium to provide security before, during and after the match.

    GHANAsoccernet.com understands the two officers were caught on camera celebrating the last minute goal scored by Asante Kotoko in their 2-1 win over Hearts of Oak a fortnight ago.

    Unfortunately the celebrations were done just in front of Hearts of Oak fans which could have caused problems.

    The two officers will not be deployed at the stadium again to provide security after investigations.

    SOURCE: GHANAsoccernet.com

     

     

  • I don’t think I’ve seen a player in Belgium with those qualities -Thomas Kaminski heaps praise on Jeremy Doku

    KAA Gent goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski has heaped praises of Anderlecht starlet Jeremy Doku after his outstanding performance on Friday night.

    Jeremy Doku was a handful for Gent wing back Milad Mohammadi, who failed to handle the teenager in their 1-1 draw against Anderlecht.

    The youngsters performance earned him praises from rivals fans and goalkeeper of Gent, who described him as an exceptional talent.

    “The two of us hurt us. Amuzu on the other hand too. But Doku, yes, I don’t think I’ve seen a player in Belgium with those qualities. Normally the opponents are behind our backs, now they were mostly behind approach him. Never seen it!” says Kaminski.

    Antine Collassin had opened the scoring for the visitors after just 16 minutes before Gent leveled from the spot through Jonathan David.

    Doku was later replaced by Edo Kayembe in injury time.

    Sourcescoccernet.com

  • Three weightlifters in Tashkent for Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualifier

    A total of three members of the National Weightlifting Team, Black Cranes, and a coach are currently in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to compete in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games qualifier.

    The squad, is made up of Ghanaian and African Games medallists, Forester Osei, Christian Amoah and David Akwei accompanied by their coach Nii Darku Dodoo.

    Christian Amoah and Forrester Osei would compete in the 96kg bodyweight category while David Akwei would compete in the 65kg bodyweight category.
    The Uzbekistan competition is the 6th Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation (ISSF) Weightlifting Championship sanctioned by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) as an Olympic qualifier.

    Their trip with a budget of $12,000 was co-sponsored by the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) and the President of the Ghana Weightlifting Federation (GWF), Ben Nunoo Mensah.

    GWF management believes that Christian who was at the last Olympics in Rio, together with Forester would be able to pick enough points to secure qualification to Tokyo for the Summer Games.

    The team is expected back home on 13th February.

    Source: GNA

  • Boxer Patrick Allotey pleads not guilty, granted GHC 100k bail

    Ghanaian boxer Patrick Allotey has pleaded not guilty to charges of causing harm after beating a co-spectator following a brief misunderstanding during the Accra Hearts of Oak versus Asante Kotoko Premier League fixture at the Accra Sports Stadium in January.

    Patrick Allotey was captured in a viral video beating up a fan during the Super Clash game which has since received widespread condemnation.

    The video shows Allotey asking the fan to move away since he appeared to be blocking his view.

    The fan who was later identified as Michael Siaw refused, at which point Allotey was seen removing a headset around his neck and begun to push the spectator.

    Patrick was captured in the video giving three quick stiff jabs to the face of the fan. This plunged the Siaw to the ground where he struggled to get back up.

    Also in the video, some women in the stands could be heard urging the pro-boxer to stop the attack on the spectator. The fan sustained a gash under his left eye and had to be stitched. During his first appearance in court, the defendant pleaded not guilty and has however been granted bail of GHC100,000 with three sureties.

    The court has also seized his passport.

    Meanwhile, the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) has banned him for six months as a result of misconduct after facing the Disciplinary Committee last Wednesday.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Inter Allies share spoils with Legon Cities in regional derby

    Inter Allies were held at home at the Accra Sports Stadium, drawing 1-1 with Legon Cities on a calm Saturday afternoon.

    Both sides coma into the game with wins from their week 8 encounters and showed quality display.

    Victorien Adebayor opened the scoring after a quarter of an half gone via the spot kick, Desmond Abuga was brought down in the box.

    However the visitors on the day, Legon. Cities fought back and got their equalizer with 20 minutes left on the clock.

    Jabila Abdul Karim also converted from the spot to draw level for the visitors after pushing so hard for the equalizer.

    Both side kept pushing but failed to add to the tally to end the match day 9 match stalemate.

    Cities captain, Jeffrey Degorl was named the NASCO man of the match.

    Source: myjoyonline.com

  • GHPL: Dreams 0-1 Kotoko, Aduana 0-0 Hearts – as it happened

    Asante Kotoko got back to winning ways in the Ghana Premier League with a 1-0 win against ten-man Dreams FC on Sunday.

    The Porcupine Warriors had gone winless for two matches after beating Hearts of Oak 2-1 in Accra on January 26 but took maximum points from the Theatre of Dreams in Dawu with the help of an own goal.

    Defender Bashiru Abdul connected the ball into his own net as he tried to clear a dangerous free kick in the 68th minute.

    In Dormaa, Aduana Stars and Hearts of Oak played out a goalless draw.

    The draw maintained Aduana’s unbeaten home record while Hearts made it two straight games without a win.

    Elsewhere, Berekum Chelsea suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Elmina Sharks.

    Great Olympics were beaten 2-1 in Accra by Eleven Wonders, Karela United drew 1-1 with Medeama and Ashanti Gold won 1-0 at home against Liberty Professionals.

    Source: myjoyonline.com

  • SCOREBOARD: Results and matchday stats of GHPL Week 9

    King Faisal 1-1 WAFA

    [Mohammed Mustapha || Ibrahim Abukari]

    Inter Allies 1-1 Legon Cities

    [Victorien Adebayor|| Abdul Karim Jabila]

    Bechem United 0-0 Ebusua Dwarfs

    Aduana Stars 0-0 Hearts of Oak

    AshantiGold 1-0 Liberty Professionals

    [McCarthy Appiah]

    Dreams FC 0-1 Asante Kotoko

    [Abdul Bashiru (own goal)]

    Karela United 1-1 Medeama SC

    [Diawisie Taylor || Prince Opoku Agyemang]

    Elmina Sharks 3-1 Berekum Chelsea

    [Bernard Boateng 3x|| Kofi Owusu]

    Great Olympics 1-2 Eleven Wonders

     

    [Gladson Awako || Musa Sule, Ibrahim Salifu]

    9 – Games

    15 – Goals scored

    2 – Home wins

    5 – Draws

    2 – Away wins

    Ghana Premier League table

    GPL week 9 table

    Source: myjoyonline.com

     

  • GFA sanctions Hearts vs Kotoko Independence match in London

    The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has granted the request of HRH Sports Consultancy Ltd. to organise a special Independence Anniversary commemorative match between Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak in London.
    The special Independence commemorative match will take place in London on March 7, 2020.

    In sanctioning the match, the GFA took into consideration letters from both Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak indicating their acceptance to honour the match, as well as their plans to leave Ghana on March 4, 2020 and return to Ghana on March 8, 2020 to continue with the Ghana Premier League.

    The GFA, due to the national nature of the match in commemorating Ghana’s 63rd Independence Anniversary, took into consideration the blessing of the Ministry of Youth and Sports before granting the approval.

    At a meeting held today at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Minister gave guidance for the successful organisation of the match to project Ghana Football to the rest of the world.

    Represented at the meeting was the Minister for Youth and Sports Hon. Isaac Kwame Asiamah, Chief Director of the Ministry Mr. Frank Quist, GFA President Kurt E.S. Okraku, GFA General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo, organisers Justin Addo and Nana Yaw Amponsah.

    Source: ghanaguardian.com

  • Former Asante Kotoko defender Samuel Inkoom joins Georgian side FC Samtredia

    Ghanaian international Samuel Inkoom has wrapped up his anticipated transfer to Georgian side FC Samtredia, footballghana.com can exclusively confirm.

    The former Kumasi Asante Kotoko defender has seen a see-saw turn of events in recent years in his career after serving a ban from World football governing body FIFA concerning an issue with his former agent.

    He joined FC Samtredia on a free transfer on Wednesday on the back of a successful medical examination and negotiations.

    Samuel Inkoom has inked a six-month deal with his new team on a free transfer and could secure an extension if he manages to impress within that period.

    He moves to FC Samtredia with a lot of experience after featuring for clubs such as FC Basel, Dnipro, Antalyaspor, and Boavista.

    Source: Footballghana.com

  • Six Nations 2020: Centre Nick Tompkins will make his first Wales start against Ireland

    Nick Tompkins
    Saracens centre Nick Tompkins qualifies for Wales through his grandmother who was from Wrexham
    Six Nations: Ireland v Wales
    Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin Date: Saturday, 8 February Kick-off: 1415 GMT
    Coverage: Live on BBC Radio Five, BBC Radio Wales, Radio Cymru plus the BBC Sport website & app

    Centre Nick Tompkins has been handed his first Wales start for the Six Nations trip to face Ireland as Wayne Pivac makes one change to the team that defeated Italy.

    Tompkins lines up alongside Hadleigh Parkes with George North switching to his more familiar wing position.

    Scarlets wing Johnny McNicholl drops to the replacements bench.

    Saracens centre Tompkins made his debut against Italy and scored a superb solo try as a replacement.

    “I thought Nick played very, very well and we think he deserves a chance, so that’s what he’s getting,” Pivac explained.

    “So George moves out to the wing. We’re also pleased with George’s game. Johnny McNicholl is the one that’s the casualty – he will get an opportunity off the bench.”

    Scrum-half Gareth Davies, prop Rhys Carre, fly-half Owen Williams and lock Adam Beard are named as replacements coming in for Rhys Webb, Jarrod Evans, Rob Evans and Cory Hill, who misses out through a leg injury.

    Davies returns after recovering from a groin injury while Saracens prop Carre is back after serving a suspension following his red card against Ospreys in the Champions Cup in January 2020.

    Pivac said Wales were keen to avoid making unnecessary changes.

    “No, we wanted to keep it reasonably consistent. Overall we got what we wanted out of the Italy – five points and there was some good play there and some parts of our game need to be looked at, which we’ve done this week,” h added.

    “Hopefully there will be a marked improvement, so we got what we needed out of the game and now we move forward, keeping that nucleus as it is to help us achieve that.”

    North will line up in an experienced back three alongside Josh Adams and Leigh Halfpenny, while Tomos Williams and Dan Biggar continue their partnership at half-back.

    Wales have named an unchanged pack with Wyn Jones, Ken Owens and Dillon Lewis in the front row and Jake Ball lining up alongside captain Alun Wyn Jones.

    Aaron Wainwright, Justin Tipuric and Taulupe Faletau feature in the back row.

    Wales: Leigh Halfpenny; George North, Nick Tompkins, Hadleigh Parkes, Josh Adams; Dan Biggar, Tomos Williams; Wyn Jones, Ken Owens, Dillon Lewis, Jake Ball, Alun Wyn Jones (capt), Aaron Wainwright, Justin Tipuric, Taulupe Faletau.

    Replacements: Ryan Elias, Rhys Carre, Leon Brown, Adam Beard, Ross Moriarty, Gareth Davies, Owen Williams, Johnny McNicholl.

    Source: BBC Sport

  • Anthony Joshua: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium favourite to host June fight

    Anthony Joshua
    Anthony Joshua recorded a unanimous points victory over Andy Ruiz Jr in December

    Anthony Joshua’s next fight is likely to be at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, according to promoter Eddie Hearn.

    The British heavyweight, 30, who defeated Andy Ruiz Jr in Saudi Arabia in December, is expected to take on Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev in June.

    Hearn told Sky Sports: “We’ve had offers in from the Far East, Middle East, Africa, America, Turkey.

    “He wants to fight in London in June. Spurs is the frontrunner and that’s what he’s asked me to do.”

    Hearn added: “He’s made it very clear to me, ‘I want to come home. I’ve been to Madison Square Garden, I’ve been to Saudi Arabia, bring me home. Forget the other offers, bring me home’.”

    Joshua last fought in the capital in September 2018 when he beat Alexander Povetkin at Wembley Stadium.

    Source: BBC Sport

  • FA coaching guidelines will restrict heading by under-18s in training

    The FA is set to launch new coaching guidelines that will restrict the amount of heading by under-18 players in training.

    The new guidelines, first reported in the Times, have yet to be finalised but will not entirely ban heading.

    Last month, BBC Scotland revealed the Scottish FA was set to ban under-12s heading the ball in training.

    A study in October found the first links between playing professionally and dying from dementia.

    The study, by Glasgow University and commissioned by the FA and the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), found former professional footballers were three and a half times more likely to die of degenerative brain disease than people of the same age range in the general population.

    The FA’s new guidelines, expected to be issued later this month, will only apply in training and not in matches.

    In December, two months after the release of the study’s findings, the FA’s head of medicine Charlotte Cowie said: “The FA’s independently chaired research taskforce has instigated a review of possible changes to heading coaching and training at all levels to decrease overall exposure to heading without compromising technique.

    “It is imperative that football now does everything it can to further understand what caused this increased risk and what can be done to ensure that future generations of footballers are protected.”

    A ban on children heading the ball has been in place in the US since 2015.

    Peter McCabe, chief executive of Headway – the brain injury association – said: “We are encouraged to hear the Football Association is set to restrict the amount of heading allowed by young players.

    “In light of the recent study undertaken by the University of Glasgow, this is a positive, common sense approach to take. After all, it will not prohibit young people participating in the game or impact their enjoyment.

    “Further research is urgently needed in order to remove any uncertainty about how often a player can head a ball and at what age – if any – it is safe to do so before damage is caused.

    “What is clear, however, is that we cannot afford to wait for further evidence to be published before taking action on this.”

    Jeff Astle
    The inquest into the death of former West Brom striker Jeff Astle found heading heavy leather footballs repeatedly had contributed to trauma to his brain

    The study began after claims that former West Brom striker Jeff Astle died because of repeated head trauma.

    Former England international Astle developed dementia and died in 2002 at the age of 59. The inquest into his death found heading heavy leather footballs repeatedly had contributed to trauma to his brain.

    The long-awaited study was commissioned by the FA and PFA after delays in initial research had angered Astle’s family.

    It began in January last year and was led by consultant neuropathologist Dr Willie Stewart, who said that “risk ranged from a five-fold increase in Alzheimer’s disease, through an approximately four-fold increase in motor neurone disease, to a two-fold Parkinson’s disease in former professional footballers compared to population controls”.

    It compared the deaths of 7,676 former players to 23,000 from the general population.

    The sample was taken from men who played professional football in Scotland, and were born between 1900 and 1976.

    Source: BBC Sport

  • GFA/ RAG agree on officiating fees for 2019/20 season

    The Ghana Football Association and the Referees Association of Ghana have agreed on the amount to be paid to match officials as fees per match.

    After a successful meeting at the GFA Secretariat on Tuesday February 4, both parties agreed on an amount to be paid as officiating allowances to match officials at all levels of top flight football.

    As a result of the meeting, the Association has began processing payments for the first four Matchdays as earlier communicated.

    The second tranche of payments will be made after the match day eight games are played.

    It has been agreed that officiating at the Colts/Juvenile football level will be free and considered as preparatory grounds for upcoming match officials.

    Senior referees may also officiate in Colts/Juvenile matches as a way of motivating upcoming match officials at the junior level as part of the “catch them young” policy.

    Meanwhile, the GFA will soon announce Referee Assessors for league matches.

    Source: ghanafa.org

  • GFA, RAG hold successful meeting on Tuesday

    The Ghana Football Association held a successful meeting with the leadership of the Referees Association of Ghana on Tuesday.

    Amongst the issues discussed were referee allowances for officiating, integrity issues and measures that will improve the performances of match officials.

    The two parties discussed and agreed on an amount to be paid to referees as allowances for officiating in GFA competitions.

    The GFA also informed RAG about the appointment of an Integrity &Compliance Officer whose job will include identifying acts that might jeopardize the integrity of the game.

    President Kurt E.S Okraku who chaired the meeting urged RAG to caution Referees to avoid any form of contact with Club Officials before and after matches.

    Referees were also encouraged to report any attempts to induce them or manipulation of the outcomes of football matches in Ghana.

    The RAG Officials were also assured that very soon the Association will assign designated hotels and make travel arrangements for match officials during the season.

    On the performances of Referees, the GFA announced that it will revert to the use of Referee Assessors who assess the performances of Referees during matches and make recommendations to the GFA.

    Also present at the meeting were General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo, Deputy General Secretary Alex Asante. RAG was also represented by its President Joseph Debrah and other key officers.

    Source: ghanafa.org

  • Clinton rates GFA Prez Okraku’s first 100 days as ‘phenomenal’

    Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Presidential aspirant, Amanda Akuokor Clinton has given her assessment of the first 100 days of GFA President Kurt Okraku.

    According to Ms Clinton, Mr Okraku elected President of the GFA on October 5, 2019, has done a phenomenal job so far.

    Ms Clinton said although she has been away from the country, she has kept up with Mr Okraku’s progress through news reports.

    He is doing a phenomenal job so far. I keep up with his achievements and I like the fact that milestones for moving football forward in Ghana are incrementally being achieved at a steady pace,” Mrs Clinton said in a statement copied to GraphicOnline.

    “I think his tenure shows he accepts the gravitas and prestige of the position he has accepted and doesn’t want to let Ghana down. His Bring Back The Love Campaign is also creative and original and I wish him and his team every success over the next four to eight years”.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Accra Lions FC appoint new asst coach and head of scouting

    Division One League side Accra Lions FC have strengthened their technical team with the appointment of assistant coach Nuru Yakubu and Paul Goodrich as head of scouting.

    Yakubu, an ex-footballer, previously worked with Division Two side Madina Republicans as coach,

    Goodrich has more than two decades of experience working in West Africa.

    The American citizen has in the past been affiliated with clubs in Senegal and Togo.

    Accra Lion FC Sporting Director Rainer Kraft said: ”Nuru and Paul will be great additions to our technical staff as we continue to put together a team that develops the club further in many aspects.

    ”We are excited to welcome Nuru and Paul to Accra Lions Football Club and look forward to seeing their impact on our squad.”

     

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com