The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has overturned the Ghana Football Association’s punishments against the players involved in the alleged match-fixing incident between AshantiGold and Inter Allies.
This decision, delivered on July 27, 2023, is a significant moment in the players’ careers and sets a precedent for future player disputes in Ghanaian football.
The GFA’s Disciplinary Committee had previously sanctioned 22 players, with 14 from AshantiGold, for their suspected involvement in influencing the outcome of their final game of the 2021/22 Ghana Premier League (GPL) season which saw the Miners emerge victorious with a scoreline of 7-0.
During a post-game interview, Hashmin Musah, who was playing for Inter Allies at the time, shocking revealed that he intentionally scored two own goals to thwart a match-fixing scheme.
GPL Match-fixing: ‘Whistleblower’ Hashmin Musah to serve 6-month ban ONLY
As a result of the GFA’s findings, each player who participated in the game at Len Clay Stadium in Obuasi received bans ranging from 24 to 30 months.
The CAS Appeal
About a year ago, after a move at the GFA Appeals Committee had failed, the Professional Football Association of Ghana (PFAG), through its mother body FIFPro, stepped in to move the case further to CAS on behalf of 21 of the players while midfielder Richmond Lamptey who had secured a transfer to local giants Asante Kotoko prior to the GFA ban ruling got his case separately pursued by his current employers.
Richmond Lamptey granted “stay of execution” over match-fixing scandal
The Verdict
In a significant development, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) today set aside the GFA Appeals Committee’s ruling regarding the 1st Applicants (21 players) and 2nd Applicant (Richmond Lamptey). As a result, the sanctions imposed on these players have been annulled.
Additionally, the GFA has been instructed to pay CHF300 each to the 21 players (1st Applicants) and CHF3,000 to Richmond Lamptey (2nd Applicant) to cover legal fees and other expenses related to the CAS proceedings.
Meanwhile, “all other and further claims or prayers for reliefs” made by the players were dismissed by CAS under Decision 8 of the Arbitral Award.
It is worth noting that in light of a provisional measure (STAY) granted by CAS, allowing the players to participate fully in the recently-ended 2022/23 football season, the GFA has already facilitated the players to register for clubs of their choice.
This decision not only provides resolution to this particular case for the players but also highlights CAS’s commitment to maintaining thoroughness and fairness in handling such issues within football.
