With just two games to the end of the league season, Kumasi Asante Kotoko were certain they would end the season in the top four.
However, a major decision by the Ghana Football Association on Tuesday means Kokoto could get relegated after being deducted six points.
[contextly_sidebar id=”HBOpbbBTqPq4AmGUP4j630zYyAR63pxM”]The Porcupine Warriors have faced the full wrath of the rules and regulations of the Ghana Football Association’s disciplinary committee, after losing a protest by Hearts of Oak for fielding an unqualified player, Obed Owusu, during their match-day 25 fixture which the Porcupine Warriors won 2-1 in Accra.
The rules state clearly in Article 34 (1) (e) of the GFA General Regulations that the offending team forfeits a match in which an unqualified player features in.
The rules go on to say in Article 34 (2) that, “no matter the scores at the end of the match in question, the team which fielded an unqualified player shall be considered as having lost the match and three points and three goals shall be awarded in favour of the innocent team.”
A fine of GH¢5,000 is also to be imposed on Kotoko as per the regulations of the Ghana Premier League.
Accra Hearts of Oak have climbed up to 7th on the league log with 39 points, while Kotoko have dropped to 15th on 36 points, with two games left.
Why Kotoko fielded Obed Owusu
Heading into the match against Hearts of Oak, Owusu had picked up three yellow cards and that warranted a one match suspension, in accordance with the GFA rules.
Kotoko did not field Owusu in their elite cup match on the basis that he would serve the suspension by missing the game against Dunkwa United.
Kotoko then believed Owusu was now available to play against Hearts of Oak in Accra and went ahead to put him in the starting line up.
Why Obed Owusu was ‘unqualified’ for the Hearts game
Owusu picked up his first yellow card against Aduana Stars in the opening weekend of the First Capital Plus Premier League, where Kotoko lost by 1-0.
He picked up his second yellow against AshGold on Match day 7 where Kotoko lost again by 2-1.
The Kotoko attacker subsequently received another yellow card in an FA cup quarter final 2-0 victory over AshGold.
He sat out in the elite cup competition to Dunkwa United and played in the next two games against AshGold and Hearts, thinking that the Dunkwa game would cancel the three yellow cards.
However, per the GFA’s ruling, the elite cup was not sanctioned by the Association’s congress.
Tricky duels for Kotoko
Kotoko will play Hasaacas and Aduana Stars in their last two games.
They have to win both games to stand any chance of surviving in the league.
Hearts will now go into their last two games against Berekum Chelsea and West Africa Football Academy (WAFA), knowing they may pull off a spectacular top four finish.
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By: Rahman Osman and Nathan Quao/citifmonline.com/Ghana