Players of Nations FC ahead of a game
The Ghana Football Association’s Disciplinary Committee have delivered a decisive ruling against Nations Football Club after the club sensationally walked off the pitch during their Ghana Premier League Matchday 33 encounter against Basake Holy Stars.
In a strongly-worded decision, Nations FC’s protest has been dismissed, while their opponents, Basake Holy Stars, have been awarded a 3–0 victory along with additional sanctions against the Kumasi-based side.
Drama unfolded at the Ampain AAK II Arena on Sunday, June 1, 2025, when Nations FC abruptly left the field in the 33rd minute after the referee awarded a second penalty to Basake Holy Stars, a decision that ignited fierce protests from the Nations bench and players.
Despite attempts by match commissioners to restore calm, the entire Nations FC squad eventually exited the field, refusing to return, leading to the game’s abandonment.
Both clubs subsequently lodged protests with the GFA. However, in its ruling, the Disciplinary Committee consolidated the cases and upheld the complaint filed by Basake Holy Stars while dismissing Nations FC’s counter-protest.
“The Protest of Basake Holy Stars FC shall succeed,” the ruling stated. “The Protest of Nations FC is dismissed. Nations FC initiated the acts that led to the abrupt end of the match and shall forfeit the match in accordance with Article 33(1)(b) of the GFA Premier League Regulations.”
The Committee ruled that the forfeiture means Nations FC officially lost the match, awarding three points and three goals to Basake Holy Stars.
Further compounding their punishment, Nations FC will also have three points deducted from their existing league total under Article 33(5)(a).
Additionally, Nations FC have been fined GH₵2,500, with 50% of that amount to be paid directly to Basake Holy Stars.
The ruling also instructed the GFA Prosecutor to investigate the conduct of all individuals involved, including players and technical staff, for possible misconduct based on match official reports.
According to the GFA’s communication, Nations FC have the right to appeal within 24 hours of receiving the decision. Whether they pursue that option remains to be seen, but for now, they face the consequences of walking away when it mattered most.
FKA/MA
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