Soccer News of Wednesday, 29 October 2008

Source: GNA

Zaytuna and Mighty Jets "expelled" from Association

Accra, Oct 29, GNA - The Ghana Football Association has expelled relegated Premier League side, Zaytuna United and Division One side, Tudu Mighty Jets from the Association for seeking redress at the law courts.

Congress, the highest decision body of the GFA at its Ordinary session took the decision that also affects Maha Ayew, a Director of Nania Football Club. The decision is the first in the annals of the game currently been blighted by the rush for redress at the law courts instead of utilising the GFA's legislative bodies.

Congress unanimously rooted for the strict application of Article 17.1.11.1, which deals with membership obligation as a means to halt that practise.

Article 17.1.11.1 of the GFA Statutes forbids Clubs, official or member of a club, player or supporter of a club of the Association from taking the GFA to the ordinary law courts of the land on matters arising out of the statutes and regulations of the Association. It is buttressed by Article 17.1.11.5 which states that "any club which violates the provisions of the statutes and regulations of the Association shall henceforth cease to be a member of the Association." Relegated Zaytuna sought injunction on the Congress after exhausting all legislative bodies and review over a protest filed against Real Tamale United (RTU) for fielding an unqualified player. Their application was however thrown out by an Accra High Court hours before the Congress.

Mighty Jets also took the GFA to court over their suspension after their 'alarming and outrageous' result in a crucial Division One play off game.

Mrs. Ayew, wife of Ex-Black Stars captain Abedi Pele Ayew dragged the Association to court for the suspension of Nania FC for a similar offence. The decision ensures that the club and Mrs Ayew forfeit their membership of the FA.

Meanwhile the Football Association is awaiting a report from its legal advisors to take a decision on Nania FC whose Director, Maha filed the writ.

The decision is largely expected to affect the Division One League as Mighty Jets and Nania were to be re-admitted automatically after serving a year's ban. 29 Oct. 08