By Kwame Bediako
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has confirmed that Premier League club Nsoatreman FC has officially withdrawn from the 2024/2025 Ghana Premier league season. The decision, communicated through a letter signed by the club’s president, was received on March 14, 2025, and cites “safety concerns regarding the security and well-being of our players” as the primary reason.
The withdrawal comes on the heels of incidents involving Nsoatreman FC’s matches against Asante Kotoko and FC Samartex 1996. According to the club, these incidents have led to an environment where they can no longer guarantee the safety of their players.
As a result, the club’s management and board have made the difficult decision to pull out of the league, leaving fans and supporters in disbelief. The GFA, despite efforts to resolve the issue through discussions, has been unable to find a solution, leading to the invocation of relevant competition regulations.
Under the regulations, Nsoatreman FC’s withdrawal has triggered automatic forfeits for all remaining matches in which the club was scheduled to participate. For each of these matchdays, three points and three goals will be awarded to the opposing club, effectively handing victories to Nsoatreman FC’s would-be opponents.
This decision aligns with Article 13(5) of the competition rules, which stipulates that any club withdrawing from the league after the season has commenced forfeits all remaining matches.
The GFA has referred the matter to its Prosecutor, initiating disciplinary proceedings against Nsoatreman FC. While the exact nature of these proceedings remains unclear, the Football Association has made it evident that it will adhere strictly to the regulations governing the league.
This move has sparked debate among football enthusiasts, with some questioning whether the GFA could have done more to address the club’s concerns and prevent the withdrawal.
As the league continues without Nsoatreman FC, the implications of this decision are far-reaching. The club’s withdrawal not only affects its players and staff but also its fans, who now face a season without their team.
The GFA’s handling of the situation will be closely watched, as it sets a precedent for how similar cases may be managed in the future. For now, Nsoatreman FC’s absence leaves a void in the league, highlighting the challenges of ensuring player safety and maintaining the integrity of the competition.
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