Relegated Ghanaian club King Faisal have been ordered by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to pay a hefty fine of CFH 4,000 after losing their case against the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
The amount serves as Faisal’s contribution towards the GFA’s legal fees and other expenses incurred in connection with the arbitration proceedings after CAS dismissed the club’s appeal filed against the decision of the Appeals Committee of the GFA.
In a decision announced on Friday, October 27, 2023, to both parties, CAS confirmed the decision of the Appeals Committee of the GFA in the case of King Faisal FC vs. Tamale City FC.
According to the CAS decision, the costs of arbitration to be determined and served separately to the parties by the CAS Court Office shall be borne entirely by Kumasi Faisal FC.
King Faisal FC has already paid CAS a fee of CHF45,000 at the institution of the case.
The decision also stated that King Faisal FC shall bear its own costs and is ordered to pay to the GFA the total amount of CHF 4,000 as a contribution towards the GFA’s legal fees and other expenses incurred in connection with the arbitration proceedings.
The ruling comes as a major blow for the relegated team, which had sought to challenge the GFA’s decision regarding a disciplinary matter.
The dispute arose from allegations of misconduct and non-compliance with the league regulations made against King Faisal during their tumultuous season. The GFA had imposed sanctions on the club, leading them to appeal the decision to CAS in hopes of overturning the penalties and securing their place in the top-flight league.
After carefully reviewing the evidence presented by both parties, the CAS panel unanimously ruled in favor of the GFA, upholding the initial sanctions imposed on King Faisal. Additionally, the panel required the club to pay a substantial fine of $4,000 CHF as compensation for legal costs and other related expenses incurred by the GFA during the process.
This unfortunate outcome places further pressure on King Faisal, who is currently preparing for the Access Bank Division One League. The financial burden resulting from the CAS ruling is likely to hamper their ability to invest in much-needed player acquisitions and other resources to aid their fight against relegation.
On the other hand, representatives of the GFA welcomed the CAS ruling as validation of their disciplinary measures and a reinforcement of their commitment to maintaining fair play and upholding the integrity of Ghanaian football.
As King Faisal contemplates their next move, league stakeholders and fans alike are left to ponder the implications of this ruling on the future of the club.