In a recent turn of events, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has delivered a verdict that has sent shockwaves through the Ghanaian football community. King Faisal FC, a club based in Kumasi, had sought a lifeline after being relegated from the Ghanaian top-flight football league last season. Their predicament arose from a protest against Tamale City FC, alleging double player registrations involving Jireh Kojo Nissi/Isaac Mensah at the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
Despite the GFA acknowledging that Jireh Kojo Nissi and Isaac Mensah were indeed the same player, King Faisal FC’s appeal at the FA’s Appeal Committee fell on deaf ears. Desperate to continue participating in the Ghana Premier League for the 2023-24 season until a final decision was reached, King Faisal FC turned to CAS for a stay of execution.
However, their hopes were dashed when CAS, in a circular dated September 27, 2023, dismissed their request for a stay, pending the final determination of the substantive case. The financial implications of this decision are yet to be determined, to be included in the final award or any subsequent arbitration disposition.
With the specter of relegation looming large, King Faisal FC must now regroup and refocus their efforts. They are currently gearing up for the 2023-24 Division One campaign, set to kick off next month. As they embark on this new journey, they do so with the weight of CAS’s decision hanging over their heads, a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges that can arise in the world of football.