The Ghana Football Association Executive Council has banned Northern Regional Club, Steadfast FC from playing home matches at Aliu Mahama Stadium indefinitely.
This decision was taken after Players and Officials of Nsoatreman FC were held hostage by supporters of the Steadfast FC in their Division One League match on Sunday, May 8, 2022.
Team officials and players of the Away Team-Nsoatreman FC- were held hostage at the Tamale Sports Stadium in the Northern Region by the home supporters in the Division One League – Zone 1 match played on Sunday, May 8, 2022, which ended 1-1.
As a result of this, the Executive Council has accordingly exercised its powers under Article 14(2) of the Division One League Regulations and has banned the venue for the use of Steadfast FC indefinitely.
The GFA Prosecutors have been tasked to study all the evidence and the match reports and prefer appropriate Charges.
The GFA demands that Steadfast FC shall immediately assist the Regional Police to cause the arrest of the persons involved in the holding of the team officials hostage, without fail, in accordance with the promise given by the clubs to the Inspector General of Police in our engagement with the leadership of the Ghana Police Service.
The Association has instructed the Competitions Department to fix the venues for the upcoming home matches of Steadfast FC, until the case is determined, with due regards to the distance to be travelled by the away teams (note that matches can be fixed at the home of the away team, if required).
The GFA issued a strong warning all members (especially all clubs) that the slightest harassment or attack on Players, Team Officials, Match Officials (Referees, Match Commissioners, GFA Cameramen & Women, Venue Media Officers, the sports media) shall be dealt with severely and swiftly. Also, any comments from any player, team or club official and club social media handles which incites supporters against other teams and match officials shall be dealt with as well (charges shall be preferred as well).
