BEVERLY HILLS, April 1, (THEWILL) – The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has come out forcefully against the treatment of match officials, centre referee Niatire Suntuo Aziz and his three assistants, assigned to officiate proceedings at the Ghanaian Division One level of their domestic football.
At a recent match that ended in a goalless deadlock in that second tier of football competition in Ghana, between Wamanafo Mighty Royals FC and Bofoakwa Tano FC played in Wamanafo Town Park, the match officials were assaulted by the home fans, leaving the officials badly injured,.
This objectionable behaviour was soundly condemned by the continental football governing body in its reaction on Wednesday through the General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba, as CAF immediately called for a full investigation to get to the root of the disgrace.
Driving the point home about how “completely unacceptable” the occurrence was, the CAF General Secretary remarked: “The image and integrity of football in Africa is very important. Part of this is the complete respect of match officials and the role they play in our football. It is important that match officials feel they are completely protected and are free to apply the FIFA Laws of the Game without fear or prejudice.
“The reports coming from Ghana where match officials were assaulted are completely unacceptable. This behaviour has no place in our football and cannot be tolerated. CAF wishes the match officials a speedy recovery.”
On the steps taken so far, Mosengo-Omba noted: “CAF is liaising with the Ghana Football Association to get a full report on what transpired on the way forward. CAF is treating this matter with the seriousness and urgency it deserves.
“CAF has appealed to all Member Associations to ensure that CAF Safety and Security Regulations are fully implemented in all matches.”
On its part, the Ghana Football Association slammed an indefinite ban on Mighty Royals that proscribed them from using their Wamanafo Town Park grounds for their home matches effective immediately. It is expected that more retributive actions will follow especially from CAF when the investigations are through.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
