Story:James Kojo Bawa
In a significant setback for Tema Youth FC, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has declined their latest appeal to halt their relegation from the Division One League while their substantive case against the Ghana Football Association (GFA) remains pending.
The appeal in question sought an injunction to prevent the club’s demotion until CAS delivers its final verdict in the ongoing legal battle. This decision from CAS comes after a series of legal disputes stemming from the transfer of player Joseph Paintsil.
Previously, on July 26, 2022, CAS had already rejected Tema Youth FC’s request for a stay of execution related to the GFA Appeals Committee’s decision, which involved payments owed to Young Red Bull FC and the GFA for the aforementioned player’s transfer.
Following CAS’s rejection, Young Red Bull FC pursued enforcement action against Tema Youth FC, leading to the deduction of 3 points from Tema Youth FC’s matches in accordance with the Disciplinary Code.
The GFA Appeals Committee had ordered Tema Youth FC to make the following payments: EUR 688,000 to Young Red Bull, EUR 150,000 to the GFA, and EUR 150,000 to the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) on June 11, 2022.
In an attempt to change their fate, on August 25, 2023, Tema Youth FC submitted a fresh request for provisional measures to CAS, pleading for a halt to their relegation from Division One League Zone 3 to Division Two League until the final decision in their ongoing case was reached.
However, following careful consideration of the arguments presented by both Tema Youth FC and the GFA, the CAS Panel rendered the following decisions: Firstly, the “Petition on Demotion,” treated as a request for provisional measures, filed by Tema Youth Football Club on August 25, 2023, was dismissed. Secondly, the costs associated with this order will be determined in the final award or any other final disposition of this arbitration.
With CAS’s latest ruling, Tema Youth FC’s relegation remains in effect, and they will continue to forfeit 3 points for each match they play until they settle their outstanding debts owed to Young Red Bull FC. This decision marks a significant chapter in the ongoing legal saga surrounding the club’s financial obligations and sporting consequences.
