Ashantigold’s legal battle over their MTN FA Cup boycott came to a disastrous end yesterday after their review application was dismissed along with a one-year ban slapped on them by the Disciplinary Committee of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
The one-year ban, which forms part of misconduct charges levelled against the Soccer Miners for failing to honour an April 13, 2014 quarter-final match against Asante Kotoko, means Ashantigold will be missing the MTN FA Cup roll call next season.
“Ashantigold shall not be allowed to enter the FA Cup competition for next season in accordance with Article 14(4) of the GFA Regulations,” a letter dated May 20, 2014, and signed by the vice chairman of the Disciplinary Committee, Kwame Takyi, said.
The committee also fined Ashgold GH¢250 in accordance with Article 23(3) (b) of the GFA Regulations for failing to attend the pre-match meeting on April 13, in addition to GH¢5,000 in accordance with Article 35(7) of the FA Regulations.
As if that is not enough, Ashgold are also to refund to the GFA an amount of GH¢1,040 paid to the Ghana Police Service by the local soccer controlling body in accordance with Article 14(2) of the GFA Regulations.
In a related development, Ashgold’s move to frustrate yesterday’s MTN FA Cup semi-final between Kotoko and King Faisal was scuttled by a hurriedly-arranged Appeals Committee meeting to save the FA from further embarrassment.
A letter by the acting General Secretary of the GFA, Emmanuel Gyimah, which was sighted by the Graphic Sports, indicated that the Appeals Committee considered the Application for Review submitted by Ashgold club and concluded it had no merit and was, therefore, dismissed.”
Meanwhile, Daniel Kenu reports that uncrowned Premier League champions, Kumasi Asante Kotoko, kept their double dream for this season alive when they disposed of city rivals, King Faisal, 2-0 in their MTN FA Cup semi-final at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi to book a date with Inter Allies for the grand finale on June 8.
Two first half goals by Abdul Aziz Yusif in the 22nd minute and another by arrow head, Seidu Bancey, in the 36th minute were enough to keep Kotoko on track for their dream double.
