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Ghana FA demotes two clubs over match-fixing

Xinhua, February 4, 2016 Adjust font size:

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has demoted two Division One clubs to the second-tier league for match fixing.

The FA's ethics committee found Techiman City FC, a newly-promoted premier league side, and Wa African United guilty of bribery and match fixing after investigations into their match day 22 Division One league game last year.

The Committee is of the belief that, indeed, Techiman City FC offered a bribe to Wa African United ahead of their clash in an attempt to influence the result of the match, which was accepted by Wa African United.

It therefore annulled the result of the said match between the two sides and, as a result, Techiman City must lose the points accrued thereof.

"For giving and accepting bribe aimed at influencing the results of their League match, the two clubs (Wa African United and Techiman City FC) are hereby demoted to the next Division (Division Two)," said the committee ruling signed by its Vice-chairman, Felix Anyinsah.

Allegations of bribery and match fixing have become pervasive in football matches in Ghana.

As a result, matches lack the competitive spirit which ultimately compromises the integrity of the results.

Sadly, apart from producing unworthy champions, the nation risks stagnation in the growth and advancement of the game.

The ethics committee has served notice that it will not compromise any such negativity and will therefore relentlessly pursue and sanction any club or official who indulges in this malfeasance.

The ruling will put the 2015/2016 elite league, which is expected to start on February 20, in danger.

Meanwhile, the management of Techiman City FC has hinted that it will appeal against the ethics committee's ruling. Endit