The Ghana Football Association has placed a ban on the home games of Karela United after they breached Covid-19 protocols in their 2-0 loss to Kumasi Asante Kotoko on Matchday 13 of the Ghana Premier League.
The Club has been referred to the GFA Disciplinary Committee at its next sitting for breaching the GFA Covid-19 Matchday protocols.
In a letter sent to the club, the GFA informed the Club that until the Disciplinary Committee determines their case, they will be required to play all home matches should behind closed doors.
As such only Ten (10) Management Members of Karela FC will be allowed at the stadium and Ten (10) Management Members for Away clubs during matches at CAM Park, Aiyinase.
Below are the immediate actions taken by the GFA after Karela’s breach of the Covid 19 protocols:
1.The GFA condemns, without any reservations, the violations of the GFA Matchday Protocols Lack of Social Distancing, Number of Spectators etc – that took place at the CAM Park, Aiyinase.
2. That Karela FC, the home club, is immediately referred to the Disciplinary Committee concerning the breaches of the provisions of the approved GFA Matchday Protocols. The Disciplinary Committee has been tasked to sit on this matter expeditiously.
3. That until the case is fully determined, Kerela United FC shall play their Home matches behind Closed Doors at the CAM Park, Aiyinase.
4. That in playing behind Closed Doors at the CAM Park, Aiyinase, only Ten (10) Management Members of Karela United FC will be allowed at the stadium and Ten (10) Management Members for Away clubs. Only Twenty (20) media persons shall be allowed (to be accredited by the GFA). No other person shall in attendance.
5. That further actions (including but not limited to stadium ban) may be taken should there be any further violations of the GFA Matchday Protocols by Karela United FC.
6. That all other clubs are to take note and comply strictly with the GFA COVID-19 Matchday Protocols. The GFA wishes to sound a note of caution to all members (especially Premier League clubs, Division One League clubs, Women’s Premier League clubs, lower league clubs) and stakeholders that the Association will not hesitate to take action(s) to ensure strict adherence to the national COVID-19 Protocols as well as its approved GFA Matchday Protocols.
Karela United are the third club to be handed a stadium ban after Accra Hearts of Oak and Medeama Sporting club for similar reasons.