The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has responded to King Faisal’s appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) by urging the court to reject the club’s request for a temporary suspension of the judgment made by its Disciplinary and Appeal Committees.
King Faisal had filed an appeal with CAS after their protest against Tamale City for alleged double registrations of player Jireh Kojo Nissi/Isaac Mensah was dismissed by the Ghana FA. The club sought to have their 4-0 defeat against Tamale City nullified and be awarded three points, which they believed would secure their place in the Premier League for the upcoming season.
The GFA also rejected King Faisal’s appeal at the FA’s Appeal Committee, even though they admitted that player Jireh Kojo Nissi and Isaac Mensah were the same person. As a result, the GFA’s Disciplinary and Appeal Committees directed their prosecutor to investigate the matter further.
King Faisal in their appeal to CAS expressed concerns about the potential consequences they would face if they were relegated and unable to participate in the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League. They also argued that if they were not added to the upcoming season fixtures and later won the case at CAS, it would be too late to restore their position in the league.
Moreover, King Faisal raised concerns about the credibility of GFA and FIFA’s laws, warning that players and clubs might be emboldened to engage in double registrations without fear of punishment if their appeal was not successful.
However, the GFA in their response stated that granting King Faisal’s request for a stay in judgment would cause more harm to the football governing body and the teams that have already qualified for the Ghana Premier League. According to the GFA, these teams have already invested funds to meet the licensing regulations of the league.
Both King Faisal and Tamale City have been relegated, and the outcome of this case at CAS will have significant implications for their future in Ghanaian football.
