GFA temporarily bans RTU from Aliu Mahama Stadium as home venue

Real Tamale United FC is not permitted to use the Aliu Mahama Stadtium as their home stadium for the time being. This decision was made by the Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association and takes effect immediately.

This decision has become necessary as a result of the home fans’ criminal attacks on the match officials at the Aliu Mahama Stadium during Real Tamale United Football Club vs. Medeama Sporting Club’s Premier League match on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, which ended 1-0 in favor of the home team.

The ruling complies with GFA Premier League Regulations Article 14(2), which specifies among other things “the GFA may order the closure of any league centre where the safety of clubs, Match Officials or Spectators cannot be guaranteed.”

As a result, it is recommended that the Competitions Department decide, in compliance with Article 14(3) of the Premier League Regulations, where the Club will play its next home games.

However, this order has no bearing on how the case is resolved in the Disciplinary Committee, which has been tasked with hearing the case in compliance with the applicable regulations.

The GFA takes note of the inappropriate behavior displayed by the home team’s supporters, RTU, and categorically denounces the infractions of the GFA’s rules regarding safety and security as well as the Premier League’s regulations that occurred during the game.

The Disciplinary Committee is to meet as soon as possible, and the GFA Prosecutors have been tasked with reviewing all of the video evidence and match reports in order to recommend appropriate charges.

In compliance with the commitment made by the clubs to the Inspector General of Police during our meeting with the Ghana Police Service leadership, the GFA requires that Real Tamale United FC immediately assist the Regional Police in causing the arrest of the individuals involved in this attack on the match officials.

In light of the distance that the away teams must travel, the Association has directed the Competitions Department to set the locations for Real Tamale United FC’s next home games until the matter is resolved (note that matches can be fixed at the home of the away team, if required).

that the GFA Disciplinary Code and the Safety & Security Regulations must be closely followed by all clubs.

In order to prevent any further harassment or attack on players, team officials, match officials (referees, match commissioners, GFA cameramen & women, venue media officers, or the sports media), the GFA would like to strongly advise all of its members, especially all clubs, that they will be dealt with harshly and promptly.

Additionally, any remarks made on social media by players, teams, or club officials that incite fans to support one team against another and against match officials will also be addressed (charges will be preferred).

Violence and/or the encouragement of violence are not tolerated in our game, particularly during this league’s second round.

Source: Ghanatodayonline.com/Louis Gyamerah