Real Tamale United has apologised to the Ghana Football Association and its supporters after admitting to using unregistered players in their recent league match against Dreams FC in Dawu.
The match, which ended in a resounding 8-1 defeat for RTU, drew significant attention not just for the scoreline but for the club’s use of ineligible players.
The decision was reportedly driven by a prolonged period of financial instability, with the club failing to pay player salaries for over five months.
In a desperate bid to fulfil the fixture, RTU’s management resorted to using Division Two players instead of their regular, registered squad.
This move has now led to charges from the GFA and a formal protest lodged by Dreams FC.
GFA Disciplinary Committee charges RTU over player impersonation allegations
In a statement released by the club, RTU acknowledged their mistake, stating: “The above action was never deliberate and was never intended to ridicule our beautiful game.”
“The club has gone through some difficult moments this year, a situation that is culminating in our exit from the Premier League.”
The statement continued, appealing for leniency: “The club, however, courts for mercy and sympathy from the general public and the GFA as we strive to reorganise and build a team that all of us will be proud of.
“We express our regret again and that this will never happen again. The club is sorry.”
RTU is scheduled to play Great Olympics on Sunday in the final match of the season, a fixture that will likely see the club fighting to maintain some dignity after a tumultuous period.