Ghana Football Association fines Real Tamale United for misconduct and bans officials

The Disciplinary Committee of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has imposed a fine of GHc100,000 on Real Tamale United (RTU) for actions that brought the game into disrepute, in violation of Section 34(6)(d) of the GFA Premier League Regulations.

The Disciplinary Committee found that during the matchday 28 game against Dreams FC at the Theatre of Dreams, RTU intentionally deceived match officials by fielding unregistered players who impersonated officially registered players.

RTU admitted to the charges and pleaded for leniency, explaining that the club was in a difficult situation as their registered players refused to travel for the match due to unpaid salaries.

The club’s officials believed their actions were necessary to manage the challenging circumstances. Dreams FC whipped the already relegated RTU 8-1. Dreams FC attacker Agyenim Boateng Mensah netted five goals in the game.

Despite the plea, the GFA Disciplinary Committee found RTU guilty of misconduct and levied the hefty fine. Additionally, five RTU officials—Iddi Manzah Alhassan, Abdul-Samed Iddrisu, Abdul-Gafaru Salifu, Tanko Jentumah, and Sylvester Yaw Apanka—were each handed a one-year ban from all football-related activities, effective immediately.