GPL Matchday 20 Suspended Over Kotoko-Nsoatreman Chaos

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has decided to put on hold the next round of matches in the Ghana Premier League (GPL).

This is in response to the violence that marred the Matchday 19 game between Asante Kotoko SC and Nsoatreman FC on Sunday at the Nana Kronamansah Park at Nsoatre.

The incident claimed one life, left others with various degrees of injuries and caused damage to the equipment of both the FA and Kotoko.

In a statement on Monday, February 3, the Association announced the postponement of the next round of games to next week.

It intends to use the window to assess the situation, consult with stakeholders, and develop strategies to prevent such incidents in the future.

“This move is aimed at creating space for the GFA to engage with relevant stakeholders and discuss the ramifications of the violence…The GFA has been working to improve the overall football experience in Ghana and is keen to ensure that this incident is dealt with swiftly and decisively to send the signal that such acts have no place in Ghana Football.”

Supporters Meeting
Meanwhile, the FA has announced plans to meet the leadership of supporter groups of Ghana Premier League clubs at an emergency meeting on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 11 am.

It said the meeting is intended to address the role of supporters in preventing violence and promoting safety in stadiums, covering subjects like responsible fan behaviour, conflict resolution strategies, and collaboration with stadium security personnel.

“Given the influence of supporters groups on fan behaviour, the GFA recognizes the importance of engaging with their leadership to prevent future incidents. The meeting will provide a platform for open discussion and collaboration between the GFA and supporters groups.”

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini