Amos Addae, a former player of AshantiGold SC, has shared the challenging experience he faced after the Ghana Football Association (GFA) suspended players allegedly involved in match-fixing during a game between AshantiGold and Inter Allies.
The GFA’s initial decision to penalize 21 players, including Addae who was the captain during the alleged match-fixing, had a severe impact on their livelihoods. Many players in the Ghana Premier League already struggle with low wages, and the suspension worsened their financial situation, making it difficult for them to support their families.
Fortunately, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) recently reversed the GFA’s punishment, lifting the suspension and allowing the players to resume their careers. However, the initial suspension had already taken a toll on them.
Addae, who is now in the United Kingdom, expressed his gratitude to his wife for supporting him during this challenging time. He explained that life in the UK is tough, with high living expenses, and he relied on his wife’s assistance to meet their family’s needs.
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The GFA has acknowledged CAS’s ruling and accepted it, indicating their willingness to abide by the direction provided by the court.
Addae further highlighted the impact of the suspension, mentioning that one player, despite having a contract in Serbia, had to return due to the stigma of the suspension. This incident underscores the need for leaders to carefully consider the consequences of their decisions before taking action.
“I sometimes get disappointed at the GFA. Players in the Ghana Premier League are not paid well and suspending the players affected them. How were they going to feed their family?,” he told Adom FM.
“If not for the help of my wife in the UK, how would I have fed the family? Life here is difficult. The amount of money spent on renting an apartment for a month in the UK can be used at a 5-star hotel in Ghana for seven months”. He said.
“Our leaders need to sometimes take their time in taking decisions. One player who was suspended had a contract in Serbia but he came back due to the suspension tag placed on him,” he added.
In conclusion, the players involved in the alleged match-fixing have been exonerated, thanks to CAS’s intervention, and the GFA has accepted the outcome. However, the ordeal had adverse effects on the players’ lives and emphasizes the importance of thoughtful decision-making by sports authorities.
