The Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association has received an overwhelming endorsement over its decision to terminate the 2019/2020 football season.
At a ‘marathon’ meeting held on Tuesday, June 30, the 12-member council resolved to annul the season and scrap it from the history books of Ghana football.
"The Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association has taken a decision to cancel the 2019/2020 football season following a marathon meeting on Tuesday, June 30, 2020, at the GFA Secretariat in Accra. Details soon," the GFA announced on social media on Tuesday night”.
The Ghana league has been on a coronavirus-induced break since March 15 and following the government’s failure to grant the FA’s request for a resumption, the association has decided to completely cancel the season.
Reactions to the declaration have overwhelmingly been positive with most stakeholders expressing satisfaction that finally some clarity has been brought to the issue and clubs can now plan for the next season.
Administrators
Right from the start of the pandemic, Alhaji Grusah has been firm in his belief that canceling the season was the best decision for the FA and the clubs.
Expectedly the veteran administrator is over the moon that a position he adopted earlier has now been accepted by the GFA.
Though the decision could have come earlier, he is happy regardless. “I have been saying this for some time now and I’m happy that finally, the FA has listened. It’s good news for everyone”.
The spokesperson for Medeama Professionals also welcomed the development. Patrick Akoto told GhanaWeb albeit the disappointment, Medeama would now focus on preparing for the next season.
“It’s somehow disappointing that the league has to end this way because clubs have invested a lot but we appreciate the times we are in and we believe the FA took the best decision possible for the game”, he said.
The Chief Executive Officer of Accra Hearts, Frederick Moore described it as “the best decision possible”.
“We are into football and would have preferred playing football but if the Exco [Executive Council] makes that decision that it’s been cancelled, we respect that. With everything that is going on, it is probably the best decision” Moore told TV3.
Players
One player who will lose out from the cancellation of the season is Aduana Stars striker Yahaya Mohammed. The forward was in a hunt for the golden king award until the league was suspended.
Speaking to this site on the FA’s decision, Yahaya Mohammed said he feels gutted for GFA President who has had his first year blighted by the pandemic.
Yahaya thus called on stakeholders to support Kurt Okraku and his administration.
“When you look at what the clubs have done and all is going to waste, it is a big blow for the sport. The person I really feel for is Kurt Okraku. I think he has some great plans for football so this is a big setback for him. This is the time he needs the support of everyone. The football people must come together and back him. This is not the time to push agenda”, said.
His female counterpart Milot Pokua of Hasacaas Ladies who leading the chart in the women’s league is disappointed but believes it’s the best step.
“It’s not easy because when the league is in session and you in form and scoring goals and you hear that it’s a disappointment but we just have to give thanks to God”, he said.
Benjamin Boateng of Elmina Sharks also expressed similar sentiments.
Coaches
Dreams FC coach Winfred Dormon would have wished for the season to continue but believes that the FA acted in the interest of Ghana football.
“I must be honest that it’s a hard one but I believe the FA also considered other things. I think it’s a reasonable decision looking at the circumstances we find ourselves in” Dormon told GhanaWeb.
Tony Lokko, assistant coach of Inter Allies expressed satisfaction with the move by the FA.
“I think it is welcomed and long overdue. We expected it because when the game went for a break we all saw that the virus was not making it possible for us to resume.”
“Looking at the situation at hand, even if we are to resume the preparation towards the game will take a long time so I think it is a good idea from the Ghana FA to cancel the league for now and prepare for a better calendar,” he told S.K Ntim of Bryt FM.
The Ghana Premier League has been cancelled