The Confederation of African Football has strongly condemned the unacceptable assault of match officials in Ghana during a First Division match between Might Royals and Tano Bofoakwa in Wamafo which was played on Sunday, March 28.

Central referee Niatire Suntuo Aziz, his assistants Suleman Mohammed and Yakubu Abdul Rahman, and fourth referee Hasim Yakubu, were the victims on the day, the second-tier match having ended in a 0-0 draw at Wamanafo Park.

Interestingly, this game was a supposedly behind-closed-doors fixture owing to a standing Ghana Football Association directive mandating all matches in the country to be played without fans as part of coronavirus safety protocols.

CAF General Secretary, Veron Mosengo-Omba has expressed CAF’s displeasure following the absurd attacks on match officials in Ghana and called for a full investigation on the matter.

”The image and integrity of football in Africa is very important. Part of this is the complete respect of match officials and the role they play in our football. It is important that match officials feel they are completely protected and are free to apply the FIFA Laws of the Game without fear or prejudice. The reports coming from Ghana where match official were assaulted are completely unacceptable. This behaviour has no place in our football and cannot be tolerated. CAF wishes the match officials a speedy recovery,” Mosengo-Omba said.

CAF is liaising with the Ghana Football Association to get a full report on what transpired on the way forward.

CAF has appealed to all Member Associations to ensure that CAF Safety and Security Regulations are fully implemented in all matches.

Subsequently, The Ghana Football Association has charged Wamanfo Mighty Royals and Two club officials for misconduct.