westernGH.com » Sports

Agbeko unhappy with standard of local promotions

Nana Esi Monney- Editor — Sat, 12 May 2012 11:09:08 +0000

Former IBF bantamweight champion, Joseph Agbeko says there is the need to improve the promotional aspect of our boxing after his IBO title bout was cancelled. Golden Mike Promotions who had reached an earlier agreement with Agbeko’s camp to promote the fight for May 26 at the El Wak Stadium but this had to be called off.
In an interview, Mike Tetteh who leads Golden Mike Promotions explained that the cancellation because necessary for some genuine reasons. “This period is an observation of the ban on drumming and noise-making in the Ga traditional area where the El-Wak Stadium is situated. We have lined up some artiste including 4X4, Buk Bak and Amakye Dede and the will make a considerable amount of noise so we had to cancel it,” he told Joy Sports.
Investigations by Joy Sports however revealed that there was some friction between Agbeko’s camp and Golden Mike promotions over aspects of the promotion. When Joy Sports contacted Agbeko separately he said he was disappointed at the turn of events.
“I wanted to see a professionally organised bout where there will be good branding, good organisation and generally a well packaged bout which can attract the non-boxing fans and attract the companies as well,” Agbeko told Joy Sports.
He insisted that he was still training for the bout since he had signed a contract for the bout. “I just have a few issues with the promoter which I believe can be sorted out but if it can’t be sorted out well I will just have to get into the ring and try,” he said.
Agbeko also told JOY Sports that he wanted to see standards change positively in promoting bouts in the country. “We all like to watch the likes of Floyd Mayweather and Roy Jones and other boxers who feature in international bouts. So why can’t we package our bouts properly so our local boxers can also do same?” he asked.
Agbeko lost his last bout against Mexican Abner Mares in California USA last December and this cost him an opportunity to win the WBC silver and IBF bantamweight titles.

Sheila Okine suspended for nine months

Nana Esi Monney- Editor — Sat, 12 May 2012 10:54:13 +0000

Nii Aryee, coach of True Democracy, a Division Two side in the Greater Accra League has been cautioned to be off good behaviour.

However, Seth Dogbe, chairman of Superstars F/C and Ghana Post Ladies FC player, Sheila Okine have both been charged with misconduct and handed fines by the Disciplinary Committee.

The Disciplinary Committee of the Greater Accra Regional Football Association handed decisions after ruling on the three cases.

Case: Nii Aryee, the coach of True Democracy was charged with misconduct for a breach of Articles 35(1), 35(2) and 39(7)(a) of the GFA Regulations in respect of this fixture. It was alleged that after the match, Nii Aryee abuse and used insulting words and behaviour towards the match officials

Decision

The Committee having found Nii Aryee to have breached GFA Regulation Article 35(1), 35(2) and 39 (7)a and in accordance with the punishments set out under Article 39 of the GFA Regulations and the plea for mitigation, the Committee decides as follows:

1. That Nii Aryee, head coach of True Democracy is fine Hundred Ghana Cedis (GH¢100.00) and also sanctioned with a two (2) match ban.
2. That in consideration of Nii Aryee previous excellent behaviour and apology, the fine of Hundred Ghana Cedis (GH¢100.00) and the two (2) match ban is hereby suspended.
3. That Nii Aryee is seriously cautioned to be of good behavoiur.

Case: The charge against Seth Dogbe

Charge 1 – You are hereby charged with misconduct for a breach of Articles 35(1), 35(2) and 39(7)(a) of the GFA Regulations in respect of this fixture. It is alleged that after the match you abuse and used insulting words and behaviour towards the match officials

Charge 2 – It is further alleged that your breach of Articles 35(1), 35(2) and 39(7)(a) of the GFA Regulations included a threat of harm and future harm to the referees

Decision

The Committee having found Seth Dogbe to have breached GFA Regulation Article 35(1), 35(2) and 39 (7)a and in accordance with the punishments set out under Article 39 of the GFA Regulations and the plea for mitigation, the Committee decides as follows:

1. Seth Dogbe, chairman of Superstars F/C shall pay a fine of GH ¢ 100.00 to RFA.
2. The fine shall be payable within Twenty-One days on receipt of this letter.
3. Seth Dogbe, Chairman of Superstars F/C is suspended for three matches and shall during the period of suspension not attend or watch any Football Matches organized by the GFA or its affiliates.
4. The suspension shall be of immediate effect on receipt of this letter.

Case: Sheila Okine was charged with misconduct for a breach of Articles 35(1), 35(2), 39(7)(a) and 39(7)(b) of the GFA Regulations. It was alleged that when referee Charles Benle Bulu whistled for a penalty against Ghana Post Ladies FC, you physically assaulted and abused him and also used insulting words and behaviour towards the match officials. It is further alleged that Sheila Okine’s breach of Articles 35(1), 35(2), 39(7)(a) and 39(7)(b) of the GFA Regulations included a threat of harm to the referees

Decision

In accordance with the punishments set out under Article 39 of the GFA Regulations, the seriousness of the offence and the plea for mitigation, the Committee decides as follows:

1. That Sheila Okine, player of Ghana Post Ladies FC, is hereby suspended from playing for Ghana Post Ladies FC or any other football club in Ghana and from attending any football match organized and/or sanction by the Ghana Football Association or any of its affiliates bodies for a period of nine (9) months, three (3) months of which is hereby suspended on her plea for mitigation.

2. That the nine (9) months suspension takes effect from the 24th day of April 2012 to the 23th day of October, 2012.

3. That Sheila Okine is hereby fine an amount GH¢100.00 payable to the RFA, 50% of the fine sum is hereby suspended on his plea for mitigation.

4. That failure on the part of Sheila Okine to pay the amounts in (3) above, she shall automatically be suspended from playing Post Ladies FC or any other football club and from attending all football matches organized and/or sanction by the Ghana Football Association or any of its affiliates bodies for a period three (3) months.

Source: Ghanafa.org

Rulings on seven cases released

Nana Esi Monney- Editor — Sat, 12 May 2012 10:52:19 +0000

The Disciplinary Committee of the Greater Accra Regional Football Association ruled on seven separate cases in the Division Two League.
Case: Nation Miracle F.C. protested against Super Stars FC for bringing their week 14 league match to an abrupt end around the 70th minute. The Petitioner alleged that a supporter of Super Stars FC had use a stone to hurt the head of Assistant Referee 1 and requested for 3 points and 3 goals
Decision

Accordingly, the Committee in light of the findings decides as follows:

1. That the said match shall be replayed at the same venue on or before May 20, 2012.

2. That the Regional Football Association shall organize and bear the cost of the officiating fees, however the home club, Super Stars shall be responsible for providing security for the match.

Case: Real Athlectico F.C. protested against Camba Soccer Academy F.C. for:

1. failing to attend the pre-match (technical) meeting;
2. failing to present their duly registered strip; and
3. failing to honour the match,
all in violation of Article 34 of the GFA Rules & Regulations (the Regulations)

Camba Soccer Academy FC failed to submit a Defence to the Protest within the stipulated period.

Decision

The Committee therefore makes the following decisions:

1. That Camba Soccer Academy FC having been found to have breached Articles 17(6), 34(1)(l) and 34(1)(h) of the GFA Regulations shall forfeit the match.

2. That Camba Soccer Academy F.C. is hereby declared loses of the said match.

3. That 3 points and 3 goals is hereby awarded in favour of Real Athlectico F.C. per Article 34(4)(b) and 34(3) of the GFA Regulations.

4. That Camba Soccer Academy F.C. shall further lose 3 points from its accumulated points in line with Article 34(4)(b) of the GFA Regulations.

5. In addition, Camba Soccer Academy shall pay a fine of GHc100.00 to the RFA, 50% of the fine shall be paid to Real Athlectico FC by the RFA in accordance with Article 34(5)(a).

Case: Rach F.C. protested against Dawtex F.C. for failing to attend the pre-match (technical) meeting and also for not presenting their duly registered strip preceding their league match in violation of Articles 17(7) and 34(1)(l) of the Ghana Football Association Rules & Regulations (the Regulations)

Decision

The Committee therefore makes the following decisions:

1. That Dawtex F.C. having been found to have breached Articles 34(1)(l) of the GFA Regulations shall forfeit the match.

2. That Dawtex F.C. is hereby declared losers of the said match.
3. That 3 points and 3 goals is hereby awarded in favour of Rach F.C. per Article 34(4)(b) of the GFA Regulations.

4. That Dawtex F.C. shall further lose 3 points from its accumulated points in line with Article 34(4)(b) of the GFA Regulations.

5. That Dawtex F.C. is hereby fine GH¢50.00 in accordance with Article 17(6) and 23(3)(b).

Case: Powerlines F.C. protested against Rach F.C. for:

1. Failing to attend the pre-match (technical) meeting and also for not presenting their duly registered strip preceding their league match in violation of Articles 17(7) and 34(1)(l) of the Ghana Football Association Rules & Regulations (the Regulations).
2. Fielding an unqualified player in the name of Shaibu Ibrahim who was shown red card in their match against F.C.M. Maamobi.

Decision

The Committee therefore makes the following decisions:

1. That Rach F.C. having been found to have breached Articles 34(1)(g) and 34(1)(l) of the GFA Regulations shall forfeit the match.

2. That Rach F.C. is hereby declared losers of the said match.

3. That 3 points and 3 goals is hereby awarded in favour of Powerlines F.C. per Article 34(4)(b) and 34(2) of the GFA Regulations.

4. That Rach F.C. shall further lose 3 points from its accumulated points in line with Article 34(4)(b) and 34(2) of the GFA Regulations.

5. That Rach F.C. is hereby fine GH¢50.00 in accordance with Articles 17(6) and 23(3)(b).

Case: SS64 F.C. protested against Katamansu United for:

1. failing to attend the pre-match (technical) meeting and also for not presenting their duly registered strip preceding their league match in violation of Articles 17(6) and 34(1)(l) of the Ghana Football Association Rules & Regulations (the Regulations).

2. failure to change their away strip to use their home strip when their away strip clashed with the home team’s jersey.

Decision

The Committee therefore makes the following decisions:

1. That Katamansu United having been found to have breached Articles 34(1)(l) and 34(1)(c) of the GFA Regulations shall forfeit the match.

2. That Katamansu United is hereby declared losers of the said match.

3. That 3 points and 3 goals is hereby awarded in favour of S. S. ’64’ F.C. per Article 34(2) and 34(4)(b) of the GFA Regulations.

4. That Katamansu United shall further lose 3 points from its accumulated points in line with Article 34(2) and 34(4)(b) of the GFA Regulations.

5. That Katamansu United is hereby fine GH¢50.00 in accordance with Article 17(6) and 23(3)(b).

Case: F.C.M. Maamobi protested against Rach FC for bringing their league match to an abrupt end after a red card was shown by the referee to a player of Rach F.C. The Petitioner alleged that the red carded player assaulted the referee as well as supporters and officials of the Rach FC and requested for 3 points and 3 goals

Decision

Accordingly, the Committee decides as follows:

1. In accordance with Article 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c) and 34(1)(d) of the GFA Regulations Rach F.C. shall forfeit the match.

2. That Rach F.C. is hereby declared losers of the said match and consequently 3 points and 3 goals is hereby awarded to F.C.M. Maamobi.

3. That Rach FC shall further lose 3 points from its accumulated points build up.

4. That Rash FC shall pay GH c100.00 as a fine to the RFA, 50% of the amount shall be paid to F.C.M. Maamobi.

5. In addition, Rach F.C. shall pay GH c 30.00 to the R.F.A. which shall be paid to .F.C.M. Maamobi as its transportation expense or cost as the away team in consonant with Article 34(5)(a).

Case: Third World FC protested against Bravo Bravo FC for fielding an unqualified player in the person of Ofori Michael (player No 8). The Petitioner claims that during inspection it was noticed that Ofori Michael did not have his Player’s Licence. They contented further that the said player refused to take photograph with the captain of Third World FC and match referee before playing in the match in violation of Article 16(4), 16(5) and 29(1)(a) of the GFA Regulations

Decision

In light of the findings, the Committee makes the following decisions:

1. That in accordance with Article 16(6)(a) of the GFA Regulations, Bravo Bravo FC is hereby fined GH¢75.00 to be paid to the RFA within fourteen days upon their receipt of the ruling for failing to produce the licence of the player purporting to be Ofori Michael for inspection.

2. That Bravo Bravo FC shall forfeit the match in accordance with Articles 34(1)(g) of the GFA Regulations.

3. In accordance with Articles 34(2) and 34(10) of the GFA Regulations, Third World FC is hereby awarded 3 points and 3 goals.

4. That Bravo Bravo FC shall further lose 3 points from its accumulated points in line with Article 34(5) (a) of the GFA Regulation.

Source: Ghanafa.org

Black Stars squad not released

Nana Esi Monney- Editor — Sat, 12 May 2012 10:50:23 +0000

Ghana coach James Kwesi Appiah has not released his squad for next month’s World Cup qualifiers.
Some reports by some media outfits claim that the squad for the matches against Lesotho and Zambia was released.
But the Ghana Football Association wishes to assure the media and the public that the squad has not been released.
Announcements for call-ups to the national teams will be released via the official media channels of the Ghana Football Association.
Source: Ghanafa.org

Appiah hold talks with Ghana players

Nana Esi Monney- Editor — Sat, 12 May 2012 10:47:58 +0000

Ghana coach James Kwesi Appiah has started his tour of Europe by visiting some on the country’s players in Italy and France.
This comes after the coach visited striker Asamoah Gyan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) earlier this week.
The Black Stars coach was in Italy on Thursday to interact with some of the players ahead of his first official match in full charge of the squad next month.
He travelled to France on Friday where he met Andre Ayew and John Mensah who are recovering from injuries.
Appiah also interacted with Jonathan Mensah and John Boye who are also key players of the Black Stars.
The Ghana coach is touring Europe to interact mainly with players who are recovering from injuries while seeking to engage the others before next month’s World Cup qualifiers.
He will end his tour of Europe on Sunday before returning to Accra to prepare the squad for June’s World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zambia.
Source: Ghanafa.org

Asamoah Gyan is highest paid African sportsman

Nana Esi Monney- Editor — Sat, 12 May 2012 10:04:53 +0000

Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan has been adjudged Africa’s highest paid sportsman, according to The Magazine’s Money Issue salary survey project.
The UAE-bases star is said to be on a yearly earnings of US$ 16 million and he is equaled by Tamba Hali who plays NFL side Kansas City Chiefs.
The computation of earnings includes salary and/or prize money from the 2011 calendar year or most recent season.
Gyan moved from English Premier League side Sunderland in September last year to Al Ain for a record loan fee.
He is above Manchester City and Ivory Coast star Yaya Toure pocketing around US$ 322,000 a week with an estimated total net worth US$ 15. 4 million.
Togo star Emmanuel Adebayor, in the books of Manchester City but on loan at Tottenham Hotspur, has total earning of US$ $13.3 million.
Triple-time African Footballer of the Year Samuel Eto’o is worth US$ 13 337 000.
The ESPN Magazine’s Money Issue salary survey project used earnings that were based on information from multiple sources including leagues, agents, sports federations, cultural centers and the United Nations.
Source: MTNFootball.com

Ghanaian duo qualify for London 2012 Paralympics Games

Nana Esi Monney- Editor — Sat, 12 May 2012 10:04:13 +0000

Para athletes, Alem Mumuni and Charles Narh Teye have qualified for the London 2012 Paralympics Games scheduled for 29 August to 9 September, 2012.
Alem successfully defended his title as African champion in December last year and went on to participate at the International Cycling Union (UCI) Para-Cycling Road World Championship, where he was one of two Africans.
Alem is the first Ghanaian para-cyclist to compete at a Paralympic Games, thus making history for his country, Ghana
“The battle has just begun. I will work hard to make Ghana and Africa proud. It is a great honour to qualify,” Alem noted.
Teye, a Powerlifter , made the qualifying mark after winning gold at the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Powerlifting Invitational Tournament in the United Kingdom last January as well as participating in a similar event in Dubai recently.
An elated Teye said “Qualifying for London 2012 is not easy but sports has made me to realize I could do everything able persons can. I will use this opportunity to help others believe too.”
The duo are among four para-athletes being supported by the Right to Dream Paralympic Programme.
The other two, Raphael Nkegbe Botsyo and Anita Fordjour, are both currently on a trip to the United Kingdom and Switzerland in their bid to secure A-standard times in the respective events.
Botsyo is a two-time Paralympian whilst Fordjour won bronze at the 2011 All Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique.
Qualifying for the London Olympics is not the end of the athletes’ mission, they are all determined to use this opportunity and platform to change the perception of disability in Ghana from a negative to a positive one and to inspire the next generation of talent to become world-class athletes.
“I want to change people’s perception about people with physical disabilities- I have seen that the talent I have in sports is one of the tools I can use to do that”, added Alem.
Susie Daniell, head of Paralympic Programme of Right to Dream said the long term vision of the programme is to establish the first ever residential youth programme for para-sports at the Academy.
She therefore called for partnership to support the athletes in the lead up to the London 2012 and to position Ghana at the forefront of the Paralympic Movement in Africa.
The Right to Dream Paralympic Programme is sponsored by Hull Blyth, Aviance, Pippa’s Health Centre and PHC Motors.
GNA

DC dismisses Bechem’s protest, fines Wassaman

Nana Esi Monney- Editor — Fri, 11 May 2012 16:50:07 +0000

The Disciplinary Committee of the Ghana Football Association has dismissed a protest by Bechem United claiming that Wassaman fielded five unqualified players during a Glo Premier League match.
However, Wassaman have been fined GH¢250.00 for breaching Article16(4) and 16(6)a of the GFA Regulations.
Following a league match between both sides won by 1-0 Wassaman in Bechem on 19th February, 2012, Bechem filed a protest against five of Wassaman United’s players claiming the said players were unqualified when they featured in the said match. These players are Masawudu Awudu, Seidu Yakubu, Evans Nyarko, Raphael Essien and Stephen Ahorlu.
The DC after hearing both parties and studying the evidence before it ruled that:
- In the circumstances, we have no option than to accept the evidence produced by Wassaman United as proof that they indeed presented the licences of the affected players to the PLB and for that matter the GFA.
- From the foregoing, our finding is that only article 16(4) and 16(6)a have been breached by Wassaman United as a result of which they are hereby fined GH¢250.00 in accordance with article 16(6)a of the regulations.
- Consequently, the protest regarding the registration of the affected players and for that matter their ineligibility to feature in the match in question is hereby dismissed.

Source: Ghanafa.org

Sports Authority Boss calls for early release of funds

Nana Esi Monney- Editor — Fri, 11 May 2012 16:47:14 +0000

Wolanyo Agra, Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA) has underscored the need for timely release of funds ahead of International Games to avoid inconveniences and difficulties in preparations.
A greater chunk of the lapses that rocked the nation’s participation at the 2011 All Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique has been attributed to the late release of funds; and with the London 2012 Olympic Games barely two months away, Agra wants the practice curbed to avert similar problems.
The NSA Director General mentioned the early release of funds in his six-point recommendation to the Ministry of Youth and Sports as part of his response to the Report of the Committee of Inquiry to investigate the preparation, participation and performance of Ghana at last year’s multi-sport event.
Mr Agra also advised on the setting up of a Ministerial Review Committee to review the challenges of tournament organisations in the country.
According to him, a buffer storage policy must be adopted to allow for the stores to be permanently filled with adequate logistics and materials at all times to ease tournament organizational difficulties.
On accommodation problems, he appealed for the rehabilitation and expansion of the hostel at the Winneba Sports College to accommodate athletes for camping as well as the provision of Sports Hostels with catering services in Accra and other parts of the country.
Agra also urged the Ministry of Youth and Sports to pursue the restructuring of the Technical Wing of the Authority, which was also fingered in the recommendations of the Maputo Probe Committee.
“This assistance should be geared towards ensuring that the approved recruitment exercise to equip the Authority, particularly the technical wing, is effectively implemented.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Youth and Sports is yet to comment on the Report of the Maputo Probe Committee.
Source: GNA

Ghana FA to honour Attuquayefio with charity match

Nana Esi Monney- Editor — Fri, 11 May 2012 16:32:34 +0000

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) in collaboration with Primeval Consult, a Sports Marketing and Event Management firm, is to organize a charity match in honour of former player and football coach, ‘Sir’ Cecil Jones Attuquayefio on Friday, June 22, at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The match is to celebrate and recognise the achievement of the celebrated trainer and his contribution to the development of football in the country.
Friends of the football veteran trainer, notably his colleagues during his Black Stars days will play against the present members of the Black Stars in the charity match, which will be the first of its kind to be organised in honour of an ex-national star. The match will kickoff at 17h30 GMT.
A release from the organizers copied to GNA Sports, said proceeds from the match would be donated to Attuquayefio, who is expected to grace the event and a special donation to be given to the Ear, Nose and Throat Department of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
Attuquayefio enjoyed legendary status during his playing days and continues to attract equal attention as a coach.
The 67-year old Great Olympics legend played for the Black Stars between 1965 and 1974, featuring in three successive finals of the Africa Cup of Nations.
His biggest achievement as a coach was with Accra Hearts of Oak SC, guiding the Phobians to the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup titles in 2000 and 2004 respectively.
Between 2003 and 2004, he handled the Benin national team and was the pillar behind their maiden appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2004 in Tunisia.
Until recently, he was in charge of Liberty Professionals, who he guided to impressive spells in the Ghana elite division but was taking ill for some time now.
Primeval Consult last year organized a fund-raising dinner dance for the Retired National Footballers Association (RENFAG).
Source: GNA