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The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), of Kumasi Asante Kotoko, Nana Yaw Amponsah, believes the actions of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) in the aftermath of the verdict of Ashantigold and Inter Allies match manipulation will create an enabling environment for match-fixing.
According to the former Phar Rangers club President, the FA is creating more room for match manipulation due to their manner of handling the case even before and after the decision of the Disciplinary Committee was released.
Nana Amponsah’s comments come after the country’s football governing postponed the Ghana Premier League week 29 fixture between Obuasi AshantiGold SC and Kumasi Asante Kotoko due to security reasons.
Speaking to the media after the teams return from Obuasi on Thursday, May 19, 2022, Nana Yaw Amponsah said the FA’s decision has had frustration and psychological effect on the team.
He also expressed disappointment on how delayed the communique reached them having already bear the huge cost in preparation ahead of the game.
“They have rather compromise the remaining matches, am not so concern about the cost we have even incur than the Psychological effect on the team.
“But the whole chemistry how things have been done ever since they release the verdict, whatever went on, releasing at this particular time for waiting until 28 matches, it has changed the dynamic of the league to the tail end.
“So the timing of the decision is so wrong, so poor, they have created an enabling environment even for more manipulation than before,” Nana Yaw Amponsah.
He further questioned the decision-maker’s inability to provide adequate security for the match since they know that is not the only match played at Obuasi by the miners.
“Why can’t they provide adequate security at Obuasi? Are we saying that after Sunday matches, the next home match of AshGold will be postponed again?
“I agree with the supporters that until Kotoko and AshantiGold play their game, no other match will be played and we are writing to the GFA to insist on them.
“The remaining matches for AshantiGold have a bearing on who becomes champions and who is relegated,” he added.
He took the opportunity and advise the GFA to henceforth “consult wisely and not just come out with decisions.”
Asante Kotoko is currently top of the league table with 56 points after 28 matches played.
Ashgold has been demoted to Division Two with a fine after being found guilty of match-fixing against Inter Allies in their last season’s matchday 34 ties. The sanction takes effect next season.
