GN Bank threatens to quit DOL?
There is uncertainty hanging over the GN Bank Division One League (DOL) with fears that its title sponsor the GN Bank is considering suspending its sponsorship in the wake of recent acts of hooliganism at a number of league centres.
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Barely two days after Elmina Sharks coach Kobina Amissah was reportedly assaulted by alleged supporters of Proud United in the aftermath of his side’s 1-0 away win over the home team at the Gyandu Park in Sekondi, the Chairman of GN Bank, Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, posted a comment on his Facebook page stating that he had asked the management of GN Bank to “suspend its sponsorship of the Division One League when it reaches the midpoint of the current schedule of matches”.
The post further detailed the business magnate’s huge disappointment with the level of indiscipline and intimidation of opponents during league games and the high rate at which hooliganism was being overlooked by the league’s organisers.
“We need discipline in football just as we need it in our national life. We will not condone or reward illegality and indiscipline. The GFA must act positively now. Or the suspension will turn into complete stoppage of sponsorship,” Nduom warned.
However, a highly placed DOL official disclosed to the Daily Graphic that checks with the management of GN Bank indicated that no such decision to suspend their sponsorship of the league had been taken.
GN Bank, the DOL official indicated, would continue to sponsor the second round of the league.
“We have not received any official report from GN Bank. I spoke to the CEO of the bank yesterday on the issue but he was just as amazed as I was when I heard the news,” he added.
Meanwhile, the GFA Executive Committee has ordered a temporary ban on the Sekondi Gyandu Park as a venue for Division One League matches with immediate effect.
The decision became necessary due to the unfortunate incident that occurred during the Match Day 13 game between Proud United and Elmina Sharks played on Saturday, May 28.
This decision is in accordance with Article 15(2) of the GFA General Regulations which states that “the GFA may order the closure of any league centre where the safety of clubs, match officials or spectators cannot be guaranteed”.
The DOL board will determine the venue for the affected clubs’ subsequent home matches in accordance with GFA regulations.
This order is without prejudice to the determination of the case pending before the Disciplinary Committee.