Accra, Dec. 17, GNA - Welberk Abrah-Appiah, Chairman of the Professional League Board (PLB) spat fire on Friday, challenging clubs to brace up for grave disciplinary sanctions next season. The disciplinarian says the PLB would hit big on clubs that flout the rules and regulations to ensure the "passion of the nation" to stay on course to its desired destination - global standard. He said his outfit would demand of clubs the strict adherence to the rules and regulations with no countenance whatsoever to any form of aberrations.

The Chairman addressing the maiden PLB Awards Ceremony held at the plush M Plaza on Friday, recalled the embarrassment the two most glamorous clubs, Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak caused lovers of the globular leather when both engaged in a suffocating war of words over which colours to wear at the Ohene Djan Stadium in a gruelling premiership tie. The duo delayed proceedings for over an hour when they clashed in colours to don in the one all game, which generated unpleasant confrontations between their respective officials.

Abrah-Appiah, who advocates the inclusion of the discomfort of playing in empty stadium in the sanctions, said PLB would closely collaborate with the Disciplinary Committee (DC) to deal drastically and harshly without fear or favour to proven acts of hooliganism at all centres in the approaching seasons. He proposed for consideration of Congress, the highest decision making body, the formation of a two-tier DC, with one arm dealing solely with Premiership matters to speed up disciplinary issues. The PLB capo acknowledged the enormous problems facing the Board in many areas like basic infrastructure and improvement of existing facilities, though he reckoned the game was fast making progress. He underscored the distress clubs faced in the looming closure of the Kumasi and Accra stadia to facelift them for the 2008 Nations Cup pencilled for Ghana.

Kotoko, Faisal and Hearts have been compelled to relocate to Konongo, Obuasi and El-Wak respectively to enable renovation to commence. The trio have complained about the financial constraint that looms when they play host to others in continental inter-club competitions beginning early next year.