Karela FC ordered to play behind closed doors …for breaking FA Covid-19 Match day Protocols

Former league leaders, Karela United have been referred to the Disciplinary Committee (DC) of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) at its next sitting for breaching the GFA Covid-19 Match day protocols.

“The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has taken notice of the violations of the GFA Covid-19 Match day protocols that took place at the CAM Park, Aiyinase during the Match day 13 Ghana Premier League game between Karela United FC and Asante Kotoko SC.”

In a letter to the club, the GFA informed the Karela that till the Disciplinary Committee determines the case, all home matches of the club would be played behind closed doors.

As such only 10 management members of Karela FC will be allowed at the stadium and 10 management members for Away clubs during matches at CAM Park, Aiyinase.

The letter condemned, without any reservations, the violations of the GFA Match day Protocols consisting of the lack of social distancing and number of spectators that took place at the CAM Park in Aiyinase.

“That Karela FC, the home club, is immediately referred to the Disciplinary Committee concerning the breaches of the provisions of the approved GFA Match day Protocols.”

 The letter indicated that the DC has been tasked to sit on the matter expeditiously, adding that, until the case was fully determined, Kerela would have to honour all their home matches behind closed doors.

It said apart from the 10 management members each to be allowed within the period of the sanction, 20 media persons shall be allowed entry to provide coverage, adding that, the selected media will be accredited by the FA.

The letter stated that further actions (including but not limited to stadium ban) may be taken should there be any further violations of the protocols by Karela.

It cautioned other clubs to take note of the measure and comply strictly with the GFA Covid-19 Match day Protocols, adding that the FA will not hesitate to take action(s) to ensure strict adherence to the national Covid-19 Protocols as well as its approved Match day Protocols.

Karela becomes the third club to officially fall foul of the FA Match day Covid-19 Protocols after a similar sanction was handed to Hearts of Oak in their week 12 home encounter against Accra Great Olympics at the Accra Sports Stadium and Medeama SC a week later when they hosted Hearts of Oak.

Hearts lost 2-0 to their city rivals.

The Phobians observed the first sanction on Sunday when they drew with Legon Cities in a game played behind closed doors.