Ghana Football
Asante Kotoko Heads To CAS Over Richmond Lamptey’s 30 Months Ban
Asante Kotoko in a club notice on Friday morning has indicated the club’s intention to seek redress at the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) over a ban slapped on Richmond Lamptey by the Disciplinary Committee (DC) of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
It will be recalled that mercurial midfielder, Richmond Lamptey during his time at Inter Allies featured in a match against Ashanti Gold which was wrapped with match-fixing allegations after the game ended in 7 goals to nil in favour of the Obuasi-based club.
It is in light of this the DC in its ruling demoted both clubs and placed sanctions on key players who were purported to have played significant roles in bringing the name of the beautiful game into disrepute.
However, Richmond Lamptey has since pleaded not guilty and claimed innocence of all the allegations levelled against him with the full backing of his club, Asante Kotoko.
The statement by Asante Kotoko comes at the backdrop of an initial indication to render the player the needed support as he faces the full rigorous of the Football laws.
Asante Kotoko and Richmond Lamptey are praying the adjudicatory chamber of all sports-related cases will either quash the DC’s ruling or reduce the two and half year ban imposed by the GFA.
Ghana Football
GFA fines Kotoko GHC 80k for property destruction at Dr Kwame Kyei Complex
Asante Kotoko is facing a GHC 80,000 fine from the Ghana Football Association’s Disciplinary Committee for their disruptive behaviour during a match against Nations FC.
The disciplinary punishment is the result of actions that occurred during their matchday 6 match at the Dr Kwame Kyei Sports Complex.
Dissatisfied with a penalty call by the referee in the last stages of the game, a group of irate supporters resorted to violent behaviour. In protest, chairs were allegedly smashed, and items were hurled into the pitch. Despite the fact that the game ended in a 2-2 tie, supporters proceeded to vent their rage by destroying artefacts at the stadium.
The inquiry by the Disciplinary Committee revealed a ‘breach of Article 16(c) and Article 16(2)(f) of the GFA Disciplinary Code 2019.’ As a result, Asante Kotoko has been fined heavily, and the money will be given to Nations FC to compensate for the damages caused by the alleged Kotoko fans.
Meanwhile, Kotoko returned to winning ways on Sunday, defeating Medeama SC at the Baba Yara Stadium due to Sherif Mohammed’s penalty kick in the 60th minute.
Ghana Football
Hearts of Oak to play home games in Kumasi following the closure of Accra Sports Stadium
According to Onua Sports, Hearts of Oak have opted to transfer their home games to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium following the shutdown of the Accra Sports Stadium due to scheduled Christmas celebrations.
The highly anticipated Ghana Premier League match between Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko, which was originally scheduled for Accra on December 8, will now be played in Kumasi, with Hearts of Oak designated as the home team.
The temporary location change was caused by the Accra Sports Stadium, which was overseen by event organisers for the Christmas festivities. Alhaji Brimah Moro Akambi, a Hearts of Oak Board Member, confirmed the decision, indicating that the Phobians will play their home games at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium for the rest of the year. However, beginning in 2023, the club is open to evaluating alternative locations.
Hearts of Oak are currently 14th in the league rankings with 12 points. Following the resignation of coach Martinus Koopman, assistant Abdul Rahim Bashiru has been named to handle the squad until a permanent replacement is found.
On Tuesday, they meet the Accra Lions, looking to get back on track after three straight draws.
Ghana Football
Maxwell Konadu released from hospital
Maxwell Konadu, the head coach of Nsoatreman FC, has been released from the hospital following an attack by Bofoakwa Tano fans.
The incident occurred on Sunday, following Nsoatreman FC’s 1-1 tie with Bofoakwa Tano in Week 11 of the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League season.
Konadu was rendered unconscious during the assault and was taken to Sunyani Teaching Hospital.
According to a club release, the former Black Stars assistant coach has been fired.
“Our coach Maxwell Konadu has been discharged from the hospital. We thank everyone who said a prayer for our coach during these difficult moments. Efiri Tete Amanaso,” a statement from Nsoatreman FC said on Monday evening.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has announced the arrest of one individual engaged in Maxwell Konadu’s attack and beating.
The police are also on the lookout for another suspect who is presently on the run.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has banned the Sunyani Coronation Park, which serves as Bofoakwa Tano’s home stadium.
Meanwhile, in the matchday 12 games this weekend at Nana Kronmansah Park, Nsoatreman FC will host Heart of Lions.