The Ghana’s all-time topscorer’s side looked like one of the clubs that was safe from relegation problems but the latest twist could see them heading to Division One League
Big spenders Legon Cities who have Ghana legend Asamoah Gyan in their setup may have their stay in Ghana Premier League cut short after Elmina Sharks’ protest against them keep gaining ground.
On Tuesday, Sharks were reportedly put evidences together and filed a protest against their former player Issaka Mohammed who crossed carpet to Legon Cities a couple of months ago.
The Elmina-based club’s top hierarchy argued that despite defeating Legon 2-0 last weekend, Issaka, who played the entire duration for Legon, was unqualified to take part of the game therefore their opponents must suffer further punishments.
They explained that while Issaka was part of their players in the first round, he picked up two yellow cards and did not serve the mandatory one match ban even after picking one additional caution when he joined Legon as a free agent in the second half of the season.
Issaka picked his first caution of the season at Sharks on week five against Ashanti Gold after lasting 72 minutes. He was also booked on matchday seven against Karela United- a game he played 79 minutes.
His third caution of the season was when he played for Legon against WAFA on matchday 25 and lasted 52 minutes.
In spite of the above, Issaka was used by Legon in their next game against Aduana Stars which violated Articles 28 and 33 of the Premier League regulations.
The rules states that:
“28.1. An unqualified player is:
(e) A player who has received a caution in three league matches.
Article 33 (1) A team commits an offence punishable by forfeiture of a match where:
(e) it fields an unqualified player(s) or team Official(s).
Article 33 [5). In addition to the sanctions provided in clauses 2 and 3 above in respect of offences
33(1)(a) to 33(1)(e) and 33(1)(f) respectively, the following sanctions shall apply;
(a) The defaulting club shall lose 3 points from the club’s accumulated points from other previous matches.”
Therefore, despite Legon currently sitting 14th on the log with 39 points and have a game at home against Eleven Wonders on final day, they will be relegated should Ghana FA’s disciplinary committee finds them guilty of the charge. This has becone obvious because at least, three points will be deducted from their accumulated points and a even win over Wonders will still do a little for their survival.
As it stands now, only Inter Allies have been confirmed as relegated and two clubs – including King Faisal, Elmina Sharks, Legon, Liberty Professionals and Ebusua Dwarfs- will join them to the lower tier division.
