Elmina Sharks and Player Hit with Sanctions After Referee Incident

Ghanaian Division One League side Elmina Sharks and their midfielder Jay Asamoah Kola have been slapped with sanctions by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) following a disciplinary hearing.

The GFA’s Disciplinary Committee ruled against the club after an investigation into their Division One League match against Swedru All Blacks United FC on 16 February. Sharks were found to have failed to control their players and officials during the fixture.

Furthermore, the committee determined that the club did not ensure the safety of match officials and that their supporters engaged in inappropriate behaviour.

As a result, Elmina Sharks has been fined GH₵20,000 and ordered to play their remaining home matches of the 2024/2025 season behind closed doors. 

The club has also been issued a stern warning by the GFA. Crucially, any future breach of an order to play behind closed doors will trigger an automatic ten-match stadium ban.

The club has also been instructed to implement measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring again.

Meanwhile, midfielder Jay Asamoah Kola has been handed a one-year suspension from all football-related activities. This follows the Disciplinary Committee finding him guilty of misconduct during the same match.

In a statement released by the GFA, it was confirmed: “Elmina Sharks player Jay Asamoah Kola has been handed a one-year ban by the Disciplinary Committee for misconduct during their Division One League match against Swedru All Black United FC on February 16, 2025.”

The GFA elaborated on the reasons for Kola’s lengthy ban, stating: “The player was found guilty of unsporting behaviour after assaulting a referee during the game. He has also been warned that any further misconduct will attract severe sanctions.”

The incident, which has led to these disciplinary actions, unfolded at the Nduom Sports Stadium during the league encounter.

Kola is reported to have acted aggressively towards the match official, a clear violation of the GFA’s code of conduct.

The ban means that Kola will be unable to participate in any footballing activities, including league matches, for the next twelve months, representing a significant blow to both the player and Elmina Sharks as they navigate their Division One League campaign.