Soccer News of Friday, 24 November 2006

Source: GNA

Court agrees on out of court arbitration

Accra, Nov 24, GNA - An Accra High Court presided over by His Lordship Justice Anthony Kofi Abada on Friday agreed an out -of - court arbitration of the suit filed by Emmanuel Otu Quaye against the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and its officials.

This follows a request for settlement by Nana Fitz Woode, a senior sports administrator and former chairman of Kumasi Cornestone. "I have spoken to both parties and they have all agreed in principle that the matters be resolved out of court", he stated in a letter addressed to the court.

Both parties are expected to brief the court on the details of the arbitration on Tuesday, November 28.

Counsel for the plaintiff, Ernest Thompson informed the court of an official notification by Nana Fitz and pleaded for two days for the resolution process.

After explaining the absence of one of his clients, Randy Abbey, Thaddeus Sory, counsel for the GFA said his outfit was not opposed to any means of resolving the case.

Justice Ababa, however, reminded the two parties that the issue before the court was on the contempt charges and not settlement of the case by Nana Fitz.

He condemned the attitude among Ghanaians where the tend to ignore the rule of law and said that he will be setting a bad precedent if the contempt charges are ignored.

"It is my wish that Ghana football grows on the principles of law", he added.

Justice Abada urged the two parties to exploit all avenues within the football rules and regulations to ensure the amicable resolution of the case before the adjourned date.

Nana Fitz told the GNA Sports that being a keen sports enthusiast, his intervention was based on the damage that the case might cause Ghana football if it is not resolved quickly. He said that having being served with the full facts of the case, he was very confident that the case could be resolved before next Tuesday, November 28.

"I am very hopeful that both parties will be happy with the outcome of the arbitration," he concluded. This is the second time that the case is being decided out of court after the GFA requested for an-out-of court arbitration after the plaintiff sought perpetual injunction on the Onetouch Premier League.