WRFA Disciplinary Committee Finds Real Pieso United FC Guilty of Fielding Unqualified Players

The Western Regional Football Association (WRFA) Disciplinary Committee has ruled against Real Pieso United FC for fielding unqualified players in their match against Tarkwa United FC on January 18, 2025, at the Cyanide Astro Turf in Tarkwa. The ruling, delivered on February 25, 2025, at the WRFA office in Sekondi, found Real Pieso United FC guilty of breaching player eligibility regulations.

Background of the Case

Tarkwa United FC lodged a protest on January 21, 2025, claiming that Real Pieso United FC fielded unqualified players. The club provided photographic evidence and a copy of the team sheet, listing 12 players alleged to be ineligible.

Real Pieso United FC failed to file a Statement of Defence despite being notified, prompting the Disciplinary Committee to independently verify the claims through an investigation, which included reviewing the referee’s report and checking player registrations via the FIFA Connect System.

Findings

The committee confirmed that the 12 named players—Banabas Mensah, Francis Dong, Kingsley Ansah, Theophilus Gyetuah, Alex Nengo, Mahama Fuseini, Kingsley Agbah, Meshack Tagoe Jnr, Ezekiel Bonzie, John Owusu, Justice Baidoo, and Elijah Cobbold—were indeed fielded in the match but were not registered with Real Pieso United FC at the time.

Decision and Sanctions

Based on Article 28(1)(a) and 2(a) of the WRFA League Regulations, Real Pieso United FC was found guilty of fielding unqualified players, leading to the following sanctions:

1. Forfeiture of the match under Article 33(1)(e) of the Regulations.

2. Award of three (3) points and three (3) goals to Tarkwa United FC as per Article 33(2).

3. Deduction of three (3) points from Real Pieso United FC's accumulated points in line with Article 33(5)(a).

4. A fine of GH₵3,000, with 50% payable to Tarkwa United FC, in accordance with Article 19(5)(b) of the 2024/2025 Administrative Instructions. The fine must be settled within 14 days of receiving the ruling.

The WRFA Disciplinary Committee emphasized that strict adherence to player registration rules is crucial for the

 integrity of the competition.