Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante Twum, has refuted claims made by Wilfred Osei Kweku Palmer, who alleged that the GFA conspired to orchestrate Tema Youth’s relegation.
Palmer, a seasoned football administrator, claimed during an interview with Asempa FM on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, that the GFA deliberately acted against Tema Youth. However, Asante Twum has countered these accusations with detailed explanations.
Speaking on the same platform, Asante Twum clarified that Tema Youth’s relegation resulted from the club’s failure to comply with a €150,000 fine imposed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
This non-payment left the GFA with no choice but to deduct points from the club, leading to their relegation.
Referring to official CAS documents, Asante Twum stated that Tema Youth’s allegations regarding the fraudulent registration of player Joseph Paintsil were dismissed due to a lack of evidence.
He explained that the club’s claim—that Paintsil automatically became a Tema Youth player again after the dissolution of Young Red Bull Soccer Academy—was invalid, as a formal transfer had already occurred.
“Tema Youth claimed that once they had transferred Paintsil to Young Red Bull Soccer Academy and the club was dissolved, Paintsil automatically became a player of his old team again. But it doesn’t work like that because an official transfer had already occurred,” Asante Twum explained.
He emphasized that the CAS ruling was clear and that the fine was a result of Tema Youth’s inability to substantiate their claims.
The club’s failure to pay the fine within the required time frame triggered the automatic deduction of points, which subsequently contributed to their relegation.
“Even if you’re fined by the GFA Disciplinary Committee and you don’t pay within the 14-day period, you’re deducted points. So, if CAS says pay €150,000 to the GFA and you don’t, you’ll forfeit points. Why would you then claim that Tema Youth’s relegation was plotted? At what point did we decide to plot? Was it before or after this ruling?” he questioned.
Asante Twum’s response seeks to debunk Palmer’s allegations, emphasizing that Tema Youth’s relegation was a result of procedural enforcement rather than any orchestrated effort by the GFA.
READ ALSO