GFA to hand Match-Fixing Culprits over to Police

The Ghana FA has revealed plans to hand over all match-fixing culprits to the Ghana Police Service at the end of the season, since the manipulation of games is illegal and criminal.

According to the GFA General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo, the FA Integrity Unit is using diverse behind the scenes methods to tackle match-fixing and is committed to exposing all criminals engaged in illegal betting and match-manipulation that bring the integrity of the game into disrepute.

Earlier this week, Berekum Chelsea official Fredua Christopher confirmed to KickGH that their camp was raided by CAF/GFA integrity team officers ahead of their Ghana Premier League game against Great Olympics and found of their players had betting slips relating to some league matches on their phones.

The GFA Integrity Unit has also invited President of Bechem United, Kingsley Owusu Achau and Hearts of Oak Board Member Alhaji Amadu ‘Akanbi’ Brimah to assist with investigations aimed at protecting the integrity of the game.

Mr. Harrison Addo insists the FA would not shield any of its members, even if it’s an Executive Council member found guilty of illegal betting and match manipulation.

“At the end of this season, you’ll see charges. All those who engaged in match manipulation through illegal betting, will know there are laws in Ghana,” Lawyer Harrison Addo told Accra based Angel FM.

“They will be arrested by the Police, not just punished by the GFA. We are doing various kinds of things. The FA President will not even shield any member of the Executive Council if he’s found guilty,” he added.

The Legal Practitioner further disclosed that the alleged match-fixing case involving AshantiGold SC and Inter Allies is at the decision stage, and insists the verdict could be out anytime soon.

Players and officials of both clubs, who were charged by the GFA Prosecutor after last season’s match-day 34 GPL fixture, have already been invited for questioning.

The GFA opened investigations into the game after ex-Inter Allies defender Hashmin Musah deliberately scored two own goals as his side suffered a 0-7 mauling at AshantiGold in Obuasi on 17 July, 2021.