Premier League powerhouse Asante Kotoko is teetering on the brink of losing its premier league license from the Ghana Football Association. The club, boasting a record 24 league titles, finds itself in hot water after failing to meet several key requirements outlined in the Club License Regulations of the Ghana Football Association.
One of the glaring breaches involves the absence of a constituted board of directors for virtually the entire season. This lapse directly contravenes Article 14.3.(D) of the Club Licensing Regulations, which stipulates severe penalties, including the loss of the license to participate in both CAF interclub competitions and national competitions.
The Club Licensing system, introduced by the Ghana Football Governing body, imposes a stringent three-category grading system on clubs seeking to participate in the domestic league. Article 4.1 of the regulations, known as the ‘A Criteria,’ mandates clubs to meet a set minimum standard. Failure to meet this standard is grounds for the association to reject the club’s license application.
For nearly a year, Asante Kotoko has been under the interim control of a Management Committee, a clear violation of both Article 4.1 and Article 14.3.(d) of the Club Licensing Regulations.
The gravity of the situation is underscored by the specific requirements outlined in Article 14.3, which demand thorough documentation including company regulations, certificates of incorporation and commencement of business, and detailed information on shareholders, directors, and management officials.
Should the Ghana Football Association adhere strictly to the regulations outlined in the Club Licensing regime, Asante Kotoko faces the grim prospect of losing its premier league license. Such a consequence would strip the club of its right to compete in any organized competition within the country, marking a significant setback for one of Ghana’s football giants.
