Definitions AND INTERPRETATION
The terms used in the present Statutes denote the following:
1. “Association” means “the Ghana Football Association recognized by FIFA, CAF and WAFU.”
2. “CAF” means “Confederation Africain de Football.”
3. “CLUB” means “An organization of persons with the aim of playing
football in leagues and recognized as an entity affiliated to the
national Association.”
4. “CONGRESS” means “The legislative and supreme body of the Association”.
5. “DOLB” means “Division One League Board” which organizes the league of the 1st Division Clubs.
6. “Executive Committee” means “The Executive body of the Association”.
7. “FIFA” means “Federation of International Football Association”.
8. “Football” means “the game controlled by FIFA and organized in accordance
with the Laws of the Game as set out in Article 6 of the FIFA
Statutes.”
9. “GENDER” Any reference to the male gender shall automatically imply the female gender.
10. “GFA” means “Ghana Football Association”.
11. “IFAB” means “International Football Association Board, which authorizes and modifies the Laws of the Game”.
12. “Laws of the Game” Refers to the Laws of the Game authorized by the International Football Association Board (IFAB).
13. “League” means “An internal organization subordinate to the national
Association in which clubs of the same standing play against each
other in an organized competition. For the time being this
includes the PLB, DOL & other Leagues”.
14. “Member” Is any club or group who pays annual subscription, and has been
admitted by the Ghana Football Association Congress.
15. “NSC” means “National Sports Council.”
16. “National League” means “The National Premier and National Division One Leagues”.
17. “Official” means “Any Executive Committee Member”.
18. “Player” means “Any football player licensed by the Ghana Football Association”.
19. “PLB” means “Premier League Board” which organizes the league of the Premier Division Clubs.
20. “RFA” means “Regional Football Association” which organizes the 2nd, 3rd,
4th, Women Football and Juvenile Leagues in all regions of
Ghana
21. “SESSA” means “Security Services Sports Association.”
22. “Standing Committees” means “The Statutory Committees of the Ghana Football Association”.
23. “WAFU” means “West Africa Football Union”..
24. Terms
referring to natural persons are applicable to both genders. Any
term in the singular may also apply to the plural and
vice-versa.
PREAMBLE
In
exercise of the powers conferred on the Ghana Football Association
(GFA) by the GFA Congress these Statutes are hereby made.
ARTICLE 1 TITLE
1.1 The
Association hereby constituted shall be known and called the Ghana
Football Association hereinafter referred to as the GFA.
Article 2 Legal form, head office and affiliation
2.1. The
Ghana Football Association is a private organization of an associative
nature, incorporated under the Companies Code 1963 Act 179, of
Ghana as a Company Limited by Guarantee.
2.2 The Head Office of the Association is in Accra.
2.3 The
GFA shall be neutral in matters of politics and religion. It prohibits
any form of political, religious, sexual, ethnic or racial
discrimination.
2.4. The GFA is formed for an unlimited period.
2.5 The GFA shall have the power to constitute Regional and District Football Associations.
2.6 The
Ghana Football Association is a member of FIFA, CAF and WAFU.
Accordingly it is itself obliged to respect the Statutes,
Regulations, Directives and Decisions of FIFA, CAF, WAFU and of
the Ghana Football Association.
article 3 official language
- All official documents sent to members shall be in the English Language.
3.2 All official meetings shall be conducted in the English Language.
Article 4 objectiveS
The objectives of the Ghana Football Association shall be;
4.1 To
develop, promote, control and regulate the sport of association
football in all its forms played by its members throughout
Ghana.
4.2 To
develop and promote the sport of association football as a means of
fostering social integration and moulding the character of the
youth in Ghana in accordance with the Laws of the Game and the
spirit of fair play.
4.3 To
organize competitions in association football in all its forms by
defining precisely, as required, the areas of authority conceded
to the various leagues of which it is composed.
4.4 To
develop and promote the game of football among juveniles and the
youth and to co-operate with the educational authorities in the
promotion of football in Educational Institutions.
4.5 To
control and supervise all friendly football matches of all forms played
by its members throughout Ghana.
4.6 To
enforce the Laws of the Game as promulgated from time to time by
the IFAB and to protect the game from any form of abuse. Only
IFAB article 6 of FIFA Statutes may lay down or alter the Laws of
the Game.
4.7 To
promote the welfare of clubs and players and to foster a friendly
relationship between players and management.
4.8 To
ensure that its members comply fully with the Statutes, Regulations,
Directives and Decisions of organs of FIFA.
4.9. To
promote good relationship with the body any time charged with the
overall organization and control of Sports in Ghana.
4.10 To
organize training and competitive programmes and arrange and
oversee the participation of National teams at various levels in
International Competitions organized by FIFA, CAF and WAFU.
4.11 Fight
against doping and take measures to combat the use of prohibited
substances in order to protect the health of footballers.
4.12 To
formulate policies for the control, training and development of
Referees, Coaches, Football Administrators and Medical
Officers.
4.13 To
settle disputes between/among members or bodies/persons connected
either directly or indirectly with the Ghana Football
Association.
ARTICLE 5 LAWS OF THE GAME
5.1 Each
member of FIFA shall play Association Football in compliance with
the Laws of the Game issued by IFAB. Only IFAB may lay down and
alter the Laws of the Game.
ARTICLE 6 CONDUCT OF BODIES AND OFFICIALS
6.1 The
bodies and Officials of the GFA shall observe the Statutes,
regulations, decisions and Code of Ethics of CAF and FIFA in
their activities. The Executive Committee may draw up Code of
Ethics.
ARTICLE 7 POWERS OF THE ASSOCIATION
The
Association shall have the full power and authority to do any act,
matter or thing as may be required to give effect to the objects of the
Association as described herein, and in addition to the general powers
and authority herein
conferred
on the Association, and without in any way limiting such powers and
authority, the Association may not have the power to carry on any
business, including, inter alia, ordinary trading operations in the
commercial sense. The Association shall have the following powers:
7.1 To
engage staff on the basis of a policy of fair employment and equal
opportunities, acquire assets and enter into commitments for the
promotion of its aims and objectives.
7.2 To
grant practical and financial assistance to individuals and
organizations in order to enable them to promote ideas and
concepts consistent with the objects of the Association.
7.3 To
enter into donor funding arrangements with companies or individuals
and to solicit and accept fees, donations, bequests,
contributions and subscriptions for the funds of the Association,
provided however that the Association shall ensure that no donor
will derive any monetary advantage from any monies paid to and on
behalf of the Association.
7.4 To
take lease, purchase or otherwise acquire premises, equipment,
vehicles, furniture and other property or assets, whether movable
or immovable which may be deemed necessary or convenient for any
of the purposes of the Association, and in order to provide
suitable
equipment,
accommodation and facilities.
7.5 To
improve, manage, develop, exchange or lease, mortgage, sell, dispose
or turn to account and grant options, rights and privileges in
respect of, or otherwise deal with, all or any part of the
property and rights of the Association.
7.6 To
deposit or invest the monies and assets of the Association not
immediately required in such securities and in such a manner as
may from time to time be determined, provided that cash resources
and investments will only be made with Financial Institutions
licensed by the relevant state agency.
7.7 To
borrow, or raise money in such a manner as the Association shall deem
fit and in particular to secure payment of any money borrowed by
means of mortgage, pledge, charge or lien to secure and guarantee
the due performance by the Association of any obligation or
liability it may undertake.
7.8 To
open and operate banking accounts and to draw, make, accept,
endorse, sign, discount, execute, issue cheques, promissory
notes, bills of exchange, bills of lading, warrants, debentures
and other negotiable documents.
7.9 To make rules and regulations which shall not be inconsistent with the terms of these Statutes.
Article 8 LOGO and FLAG
8.1 The
Logo of the National Association is a black and white coloured football
with the National Colours of red, yellow, green and the black
star around it.
8.2 The flag of the national association is white with the logo in the middle.
Article 9 Non-Discrimination
9.1 Discrimination
of any kind against a country, a club, any person, group of
persons on account of ethnic origin, gender, language, religion,
politics or any other reason is strictly prohibited and
punishable by suspension or expulsion.
Article 10 members
Membership of the Ghana Football Association shall be made up of:
10.1 The Clubs:
10.1.1. Premier Division
10.1.2. Division One
10.1.3. Regional Leagues:
10.1.3.1. 2nd Division
10.1.3.2. Women’s Football
- 3rd and 4th Division
10.1.3.4 Juvenile
10.2 The groups linked to football:
10.2.1. Schools, Colleges and Universities
10.2.2. Security Services Sports Association
10.2.3. Coaches
10.2.4. Referees
10.2.5 Players
article 11 Conditions for obtaining the status of A member
11.1 Any
club or group eligible under Article 10 above may apply to the
GFA for a membership status.
11.2. Every application for membership of the GFA must be accompanied by:
- A
declaration that the head office of the proposed
Member is in the Republic of Ghana in which GFA is
the football authority.
- A declaration that all its official home matches are played in Ghana.
- A
declaration that the legal composition of the applicant guarantees that
it can make decisions required by its affiliation to GFA independent of
an external entity.
11.3. Only
the GFA, CAF or FIFA can decide to exempt a candidate from
one or more of the above conditions.
Article 12 procedure for obtaining the status of A member
12.1. Every
application for membership/affiliation from a club must be
submitted in writing to the Regional Football
Association.
12.2. Every
other application for Membership/affiliation to the GFA must
be submitted in writing to the General Secretary.
12.3. The application must be accompanied by:
12.3.2.
A list of its officials, specifying those who are
authorized signatories with the right to
enter into legally binding agreements with
third parties. Any changes of officials and
authorized signatories must be communicated in
writing to the General Secretary within seven
(7) days of the said change.
12.3.3. A
declaration that it agrees to be bound by the
statutes, regulations, and directives in
their current form and subject to later
changes as well as by the decisions of
FIFA, CAF, WAFU, GFA and of the
leagues of which it is
composed.
12.3.4. A
declaration that it undertakes to ensure that
these Statutes and Regulations are
respected by its own members and by any
other person (player or official) with
whom it has a contract.
12.3.5. A
declaration that it recognizes the authority of
the Dispute Resolution Committee set up
under these statutes in respect of
dispute not within the jurisdiction
of the Disciplinary, Appeals and the
Players’ Statutes Committees of the
Association.
12.3.6. A
declaration that it will not resort to the ordinary law
courts for redress and will limit itself to the
internal disputes resolution mechanisms
instituted by
the
Association.
12.3.7. A
declaration that it undertakes to organize or
participate in friendly matches
only with the prior consent of the
GFA.
12.3.8. A
copy of the minutes of its last general assembly or
constitutional meeting and the last
year’s audited accounts, where
appropriate.
Article 13 decision on affiliation
13.1. The GFA Congress has the sole right to decide on the affiliation of a member.
Article 14 legal form of members of gfa
14.2 This
does not exclude cases of members being subject to a special
legal form by a specific legislation.
ARTICLE 15 THE LEAGUES (APPROVED COMPETITIONS)
15.1. The clubs make up the leagues in the championship in which they take part.
15.2. The
leagues are subordinate to the GFA which approves their
constitutions and/or regulations along with any
amendments thereto.
15.3. The
GFA delegates to the leagues the rights and obligations
required to achieve the objectives set
for them.
15.4. The leagues recognized under these statutes are:
- Premier Division
- Division One
- Regional Leagues
- 2nd Division
- 3rd & 4th Division
- Women Football League
- Juvenile
ARTICLE 16 MEMBERS’ RIGHTS
16.1 Members of the GFA have rights which include but not limited to the following:
16.1.1 The
right to know in advance the agenda of any Congress,
to be called to the meeting within the
prescribed time, to take part in the meeting
and to exercise their right to vote:
16.1.2 The
right to be informed of the affairs of the GFA through
Members registered addresses, official mouth
piece of the GFA or the media.
16.1.3 The
right to take part in the competitions held under the
auspices of the GFA, where appropriate.
16.1.4 The
right to nominate candidates for the Presidency of the
Association.
16.1.5 All
other rights arising out of these statutes or those
recognized by the regulations, directives
and decisions of
the GFA.
ARTICLE 17 MEMBERS’ OBLIGATIONS
17.1. Every member of the GFA has:
17.1.1. An
obligation to be loyal to the GFA, meaning, in particular,
that the member must abstain from any actions
that will bring the name of the GFA into
disrepute or adversely affect the interests of
the GFA:
17.1.2. An
obligation to settle all sums due by way of
subscriptions/Affiliation fees:
17.1.3. An
obligation to be bound by the statutes, regulations
directives and decisions of FIFA, CAF, WAFU,
the GFA and where relevant, of the leagues of
which it is composed:
17.1.4. An
obligation to communicate to the GFA any amendment of
the member’s constitution and or regulations, and a
list of its officials or persons who are
authorized signatories, with the
right
to enter into legally binding agreements with third
parties
17.1.5. An
obligation to ensure that the statutes, regulations,
directives and decisions of FIFA, CAF,
WAFU and GFA are respected by its own members
and by any other person (player or official)
with whom it has a contract
17.1.6. An
obligation to take part in competitions organized by the
Ghana Football Association
17.1.7. An
obligation to observe the Laws of the Game of the IFAB
and to ensure that these are likewise observed
by its members
17.1.8. An
obligation for the members of Congress to elect or
endorse where appropriate members of the
Executive Committee.
17.1.9. An
obligation not to maintain any relations of a sporting
nature with non-recognised entities such as
non-affiliated clubs, third parties or with
members that have been suspended or
expelled.
17.1.10. An
obligation to observe the conditions specified for the
duration of its affiliation.
17.1.11. An
obligation to ensure that any dispute involving one
member and another or one member and its
players or officials or employees relating to
the statutes, regulations,
directives and decisions of FIFA, CAF, WAFU and
GFA and the Leagues of which it is composed, must be
subject to the GFA Dispute Resolution
Mechanism, the sole
authority
of an arbitration constituted under the
Arbitration Act 1961 (Act 38) as amended
which will settle the said dispute.
17.1.11.1 No
Club, Official or Member of a club, player or
supporter of a club or official of the
Association shall take the GFA to the
ordinary Law Courts of the Land on
any matter arising out of the
Statutes and Regulations of the
GFA.
17.1.11.2. Where
a person, group of persons or a
supporter(s) of a club
commences an action in the courts
against the Association in the
interest of any club, that club
shall within seven days of such
action coming to its notice, notify
the Association in writing of its
involvement, interest or
otherwise in that action.
17.1.11.3. Where
the club disassociates itself from such
an action, it shall immediately
make its stand publicly known by
the publication in the
media-print or electronic and
shall file a Statement of
disclaimer in court where such an action
has been commenced.
17.1.11.4. Where
a club on becoming aware of such an
action fails to declare its stand
in the manner provided in
paragraphs (17.1.11.2) and
(17.1.11.3) above that club
shall be deemed to have abetted that
action and provision of Article 21
hereunder shall apply.
17.1.11.5. Any
club which violates these provisions of the
Statutes and Regulations of the
Association shall forthwith cease
to be a member of the Association
but without prejudice to its rights
under the Constitution of the
Republic of Ghana.
17.1.11.6. Where
a club ceases to be a member of the
Association by reason of a
violation of these provisions of
the Statutes, Congress shall have
no mandate under any circumstance
to pardon such a member.
17.1.12. An
obligation to observe the principles of loyalty, integrity
and good sporting behaviour as an expression of
fair play.
17.1.13. All
other obligations arising out of these statutes or out of
the regulations, directives and decisions of
GFA.
ARTICLE 18 SUSPENSION
18.1. The
Congress shall be responsible for the suspension of any member or
official. The Executive Committee may, however, suspend
with immediate effect any member/official guilty of serious or
repeated violations of its obligations. Such suspension
shall last until the next Congress unless it is lifted
earlier.
18.2. Any suspension shall be confirmed by a three quarters majority of votes cast at Congress.
18.3. Suspended
members shall automatically lose the rights and privileges linked
with their membership. Other members shall cease sporting
contacts
with a suspended member. The Disciplinary Committee of the GFA
may impose further sanctions.
18.4. The GFA Congress may suspend any of its members for a maximum period of two years.
ARTICLE 19 LOSS OF MEMBERSHIP STATUS
19.1. A
member’s status may be terminated by the resignation of the member,
its expulsion or dissolution or winding-up.
19.2. The
loss of a member’s status shall not relieve the member of its
financial obligations which have already accrued towards the GFA
or members of the GFA.
19.3. The
loss of a member’s status entitles the players of the club where
appropriate to apply to be declared floating by the GFA
Players’ Status Committee.
19.4. A
Club suspended from the GFA is automatically relegated to the lowest
league of the Association, and in the event of the club
reacquiring its membership status, it has to re-enter
at this level.
ARTICLE 20 RESIGNATION
20.1. Any
member may resign from the GFA. Notice of such resignation must
reach the GFA Secretariat by registered mail not later than
fourteen (14) days after the resignation.
20.2. Members
who have resigned cannot be readmitted to the GFA without a
Congress resolution and having fulfilled all their outstanding
financial commitments to the GFA.
ARTICLE 21 EXPULSION
21.1. The GFA Congress may expel any member if:
21.1.1
It fails to fulfill its financial obligations towards the GFA for
two consecutive years inspite of three written
reminders to that effect.
- A
member has been found guilty of a serious violation of the
Statutes, Regulations, Decisions or Code of Ethics of FIFA,
CAF, WAFU or the GFA by the GFA Disciplinary Committee.
21.1.3. The
member, its officer(s) or supporter(s) resorts to the
ordinary law court contrary to the statutes of
the GFA, WAFU, CAF and FIFA
21.1.4. The
member, its officer(s) or supporter(s) resorts to the
ordinary law court without recourse to the GFA
dispute resolution mechanisms in the Statutes of the
GFA.
21.2. The
expulsion of a member can only be effected by a duly constituted
meeting of Congress with a ¾ majority of votes cast.
ARTICLE 22 ORGANS
22.1. The GFA shall have the following organs in its set up:
- The GFA Congress
- The Executive Committee
- The General Secretariat
- The Judicial Bodies (Disciplinary and Appeals Committees)
22.2. Members
of the various organs shall either be elected or appointed into
their respective offices through a procedure that guaranteed its
complete independence.
22.3. The
Executive Committee has the authority to constitute Standing
Committees and ad hoc committees, if required.
THE GFA CONGRESS
ARTICLE 23 DEFINITION
23.1. The GFA Congress shall be the supreme and legislative organ of the Association.
23.2. It
shall define the Association’s general policies and take the
necessary decisions for implementation by the Executive
Committee and the Secretariat.
23.3. The GFA Congress may be defined as ordinary or extra-ordinary.
- Ordinary Congress
The
GFA Congress shall meet in ordinary session once
every football season normally before the
commencement of the season.
23.3.2 The
Executive Committee shall fix the date
and venue of the
Congress.
23.3.3 The
formal notification which shall contain the agenda
and all documents relating to the
Congress shall be dispatched in
writing to all delegates at least three (3)
weeks to the meeting.
23.3.4 Any
delegate to Congress who wishes to make corrections or
changes to the minutes of the previous meeting should
submit the same in writing to the General
Secretary one week before the date of
Congress.
23.3.5. The
Executive Committee shall set the agenda for Congress
and it shall include the following
items:
23.3.5.2 Verification
that the notification and composition of
the Congress comply with the provisions
of the statutes.
23.3.5.3 Approval
of the minutes of the previous Congress
23.3.5.4 An address by the President
23.3.5.5 Activity
report covering the period since the previous
Congress
23.3.5.6 Suspension
or expulsion of a member, where
appropriate
23.3.5.7 To
consider and adopt the Audited Accounts,
and reports of the External Auditors for
the previous year.
23.3.5.8 Election
of the President of the GFA, where applicable
23.3.5.9 Endorsement
of the Executive Committee Members, where
applicable
23.3.5.10. Any other matters
An
extra-ordinary session of the GFA Congress shall be convened by
the Executive Committee under any of the following
circumstances:
- By a resolution of not less than seven (7) Regional Football Associations (RFAS’); or
23.7. The
agenda and other relevant documents must be sent out to the
members at least one week before the meeting.
Article 24 COMPOSITION
24.1.1. Three delegates from each of the ten (10) RFAS’ - 30
24.1.2. Two delegates from each of the 16 Premier Clubs - 32
24.1.4. Security Services Sports Association (SESSA) - 1
24.1.5. Schools and Colleges - 1
24.1.6. Tertiary Institutions - 1
24.1.8. Coaches Association - 2
24.1.9. Referees Association - 2
24.1.10. Women Football Association - 2
24.1.11. Juvenile Football Association - 2
24.1.12. Players Association - 2
 Total - 127
Article 25 areas of authority
25.1 Congress shall be responsible for the following:
25.1.1. Adoption
or amendment of the Statutes and Regulations of
the GFA.
25.1.2. Approval of the minutes of the last meeting.
25.1.3. Approval of the annual audited accounts.
25.1.4. Approval of the activities report of the Executive Committee.
25.1.5. Ratification of decisions of the Executive Committee.
25.1.6. Appointment
of an External Auditor based on the
recommendations of the Executive
Committee.
25.1.7. Election of the President.
25.1.8. Admission,
suspension or expulsion of an official or a
member
25.1.9. Acceptance of the resignation of a member
25.1.10. Dismissal of member(s) of the Executive Committee
25.1.11 To
confer the title of Honorary Member or Honorary
President
25.1.12 The
determination of the subscription, affiliation, fines and
other fees or levies.
article 26 quorum
26.1. The
quorum for a valid session of the Congress shall be 50% of the
total membership of Congress entitled to attend and vote.
26.2. If
the quorum is not achieved, a second Congress shall take place 24
hours after the first, with the same agenda. No quorum is
required for this second meeting unless any item on the
agenda envisages the amendment of the Statutes of the GFA, the
election of the President of the Association, the dismissal of
one or a number of members of an organ of the GFA, the expulsion
of a member of the GFA or the dissolution of the GFA.
Article 27 CONDUCT OF THE GFA CONGRESS
27.1. The GFA Congress shall be chaired by the President of the Association.
27.2. In
the absence of the President the Vice President shall chair the
Congress. In the absence of the Vice President, the Executive
Committee may nominate one of its members to chair the
Congress.
27.3. The
President is responsible for the smooth running of the meeting. With
this in mind he is entitled to curtail long speeches by
Members.
27.4. The
President shall conduct the business of Congress in compliance with
the Rules of Procedure of the Congress.
- The President shall chair all meetings of the Association.
Article 28 ELECTIONS, VOTING AND DECISION MAKING
28.1. All elections shall be by Secret Ballot.
28.2. Any
member may propose a candidate for the position of the GFA
President. Such nominations must be seconded by at least ten (10)
members of the GFA Congress and shall be submitted to the
secretariat 21 days before the date of the Congress at which this
item is on the agenda. No member of the GFA Congress shall
nominate or second more than one candidate.
28.3. The members shall exercise their voting rights through their official delegates at the Congress.
28.4. Nominations
to the position of President received after the deadline shall be
automatically rejected. Candidatures sent to the Secretariat shall be
given a receipt of acknowledgement.
28.5. After
the above-mentioned deadline, all nominations shall be final and
shall be submitted for the elections unless withdrawn by the
candidate(s) concerned.
28.6. The
General Secretary shall communicate the names of the candidates to
all members not later than 14 days before the date of the
election.
28.7. Where
a sole candidate is proposed for an elective position, the said
candidate shall be returned unopposed and duly elected by
Congress.
28.8. At
the time of their election, all candidates vying for the position of
President of the GFA, must be bona fide representatives of
members of the Association and must not be less than 18 years and
not above 70 years.
28.9. For
the election of the President, a simple majority (half the votes
plus one) of valid votes recorded shall be required. If no
candidate obtains a simple majority in the first ballot, the
candidate(s) with the lowest number of votes shall be eliminated
from the next ballot. This process shall continue until one
candidate obtains a simple majority.
28.10. Elections
to all offices of the Association shall be supervised by the
Electoral Commission of Ghana.
28.11. Decisions
of Congress shall be taken by majority of the votes validly cast
by the official delegates voting unless otherwise stipulated
under these statutes.
28.12. Decisions
shall be taken by a show of hands, unless a majority of voting
delegates request a secret ballot.
28.13. Decisions
relating to any change of head office of the GFA, any amendment
to the statutes and regulations, any modifications to the agenda
of the ordinary Congress, to the dismissal of a member of an
organ, to bestowing of the title of Honorary President or
honorary member, to the expulsion of a member of the GFA or the
dissolution of the GFA requires a majority of 3/4 of votes
validly cast by the official delegates present and voting in
favour.
28.14. All
delegates to Congress shall have a single vote each with the exception
of the President who shall have a deliberative and a casting
vote. In the absence of the President whoever acts as
President shall have a deliberative and a casting vote.
28.15. Spoiled
voting slips, blank voting slips, or any other forms of abstention
shall not be included in the count of validly cast votes.
28.16. Decision(s)
taken by Congress shall come into force from the date of
Congress, unless Congress decides otherwise or delegates this
decision to the Executive Committee.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
ARTICLE 29 COMPOSITION
29.1. There shall be an Executive Committee which shall be constituted as follows:
29.1.1 The
President, duly elected by Congress
- 1
29.1.5 1 nominee duly elected by Schools, Colleges,
29.2. The Executive Committee may invite who ever it deems fit to attend any of its meetings.
29.3. At
its maiden meeting the Executive Committee shall elect from its
Membership the Vice President of the Committee.
29.4. Members
shall retain their positions on the Executive Committee for the
whole duration of their mandate and may only be removed from
their functions by a decision taken in conformity with these
Statutes.
29.5. If
a member of the Executive Committee absents himself from
meetings of the Executive Committee for three (3)
consecutive times without just cause, the Committee shall report
his conduct to the next Congress.
29.6. The
Executive Committee’s decisions shall be adopted by a majority of
the members present and voting. In the event of a tie, the
President shall have a casting vote.
29.7. Names
of elected nominees for membership of the GFA Executive Committee
shall be submitted to the General Secretary by the relevant
members at least six (6) days before the date of the GFA Congress
at which this item is on the agenda.
29.8. The
nominee to the Executive Committee should have been identified with
a particular member/club for at least two years.
29.9. The
candidate must not have been previously found guilty or convicted of
any criminal offence involving dishonesty, fraud or moral
turpitude.
29.10. The
candidate must not be the subject of a decision of the Executive
Committee, Congress, WAFU, CAF, or FIFA that he be suspended
permanently or temporarily from taking part in football
administration and or any football related activity pursuant to
any applicable disciplinary provisions under the Rules or the
Statutes of GFA, WAFU, CAF or FIFA.
29.11. The
member proposing a candidate for election to the Executive
Committee must not have been suspended by the Association.
29.12. When
a member of the GFA loses its membership status, the mandate of
the person elected to the Executive Committee on its proposal is
terminated at the next Congress, unless Congress decides to
retain him in his functions until the end of his
mandate.
Article 30 LENGTH OF MANDATES
30.1. The
length of mandate of the President and members of the Executive
Committee shall be four football seasons.
30.2. The
President shall be elected by the Congress for a period of four years
in the year following a FIFA World Cup. His mandate shall begin after
the end of the Congress which has elected him.
30.3. In
the event of the office of the President becoming vacant, the Vice
President shall act in his stead until an election is held at the
next Congress.
30.4. A
vacancy in any office of the Executive Committee shall occur under any
of the following circumstances:
30.4.3. If
he is incapable of discharging the functions of his office
by reason of infirmity of mind or body as certified
by a registered medical practitioner; or
30.4.4 If
a member absents himself from three (3)
consecutive meetings of the
Executive Committee without prior permission or
reasonable cause;
- If
a member is found guilty of having conducted himself in any manner
likely to prejudice the objects or activities of the Association and
such conduct has the effect of bringing the name of the Association
into disrepute; or
30.4.6 He
is the subject of a decision of the Executive Committee,
Congress, WAFU, CAF, or FIFA that he be suspended
permanently or temporarily from taking
part in football management and/or football
administration and/or any football related activity
pursuant to any applicable disciplinary
provisions under the Rules or the Statutes of
GFA, WAFU, CAF or FIFA.
30.4.7. If
the Member resorts to the law court without recourse to
these statutes.
30.5. If
a position becomes vacant, the Executive Committee shall
inform the appropriate Constituent Member to conduct
elections to fill the vacancy.
Article 31 meetings
31.1. The Executive Committee shall meet as required, but at least six (6) times a year.
31.2. At
the request of at least 1/3 of the members, the President shall convene
a meeting within two weeks following the request. In the absence
of the President the Vice President shall convene the meeting. In
the absence of the Vice President, the Executive Committee may
appoint one of its Members to convene the meeting.
31.3. The
members must submit the points they wish to appear on the agenda
for the meeting to the General Secretary at least two (2) weeks
before the meeting. The agenda must be sent out to the members of
the Executive Committee at least seven (7) days before the
meeting.
31.4. The
meetings of the Executive Committee shall not be held in public. The
Executive Committee may, however, invite any person(s) it deems
fit to attend its meetings. The invitees may only express their
opinion(s) with the permission of the President, but shall have
no voting rights.
31.5. For
the deliberations to be valid, a quorum of 50% plus one of the
members shall be required. If the quorum is not reached at the
first meeting, a minimum of six (6) members shall form a quorum
at a subsequent meeting called within twenty-four (24) hours. The
agenda for the postponed meeting shall remain the same as the
first meeting.
Article 32 areas of authority
32.1. To manage the affairs of the GFA.
32.2. To represent and commit the GFA in its relationship with third parties.
32.3. It shall appoint or dismiss the General Secretary on the recommendation of the President.
32.4. To prepare and convene the ordinary and where appropriate an extra ordinary Congress.
32.5. It
shall decide on financial matters, and in particular examine and
approve the budget estimates presented by the General
Secretary.
32.6. To appoint and where appropriate dismiss member(s) of the Judicial Organs.
32.7. To appoint and, where appropriate, dismiss member(s) of the Standing Committees.
32.8. To
maintain good relations with the International and National Sporting
bodies, and also to exercise the right to propose representatives
of the GFA for election to their various bodies.
32.9. To
propose any person suitable to be awarded the title of Honorary
President or Honorary member of the GFA to the Congress.
32.10. At
its own discretion, it may delegate tasks arising out of its area of
authority and call on the services of advisers or grant mandates
to third parties.
32.11. It
may delegate in totality or in part some of its responsibilities to its
members individually or grouped as a Committee or to the General
Secretary as dictated by its established methods of
management.
32.12. It
may delegate some of its powers to the competent Committees,
reserving the right to exercise them whenever it is deemed
necessary.
32.13. To recommend persons for appointment to the CAF list of Match Commissioners.
32.14. To fix dates for elections.
Article 33 decisions
33.1. It
shall make decisions by a simple majority of the members present.
Voting by proxy is not allowed.
33.2. Any
member of the Executive Committee shall excuse himself from the
deliberations of any of its meetings if there is any risk or
possibility of him having an interest in the subject matter of
the discussion.
33.3. Except
in circumstances as described under Article 33.2 above, each
member shall be entitled to express his opinion on any subject
matter put before the Executive Committee for discussion.
33.4. Decisions
of the Executive Committee must be recorded in the minutes of
meetings of the Executive Committee.
33.5. Decisions
shall be taken by a show of hands, unless a majority of the
delegates with voting rights request a secret ballot.
33.6. The
Executive Committee shall have the power to review its own decisions
by 75% or more of members present and voting.
33.7. Decisions
of the Executive Committee shall take immediate effect
unless otherwise decided by the Executive Committee
ARTICLE 34 MISCONDUCT
34.1 Any
member of the Executive Committee shall be guilty of a misconduct if
he conducts himself in any manner prejudicial to the interest of
the Association and in particular if:
34.1.1 He embezzles funds belonging to the Association; or
34.2.3 A
request for the removal of a member shall be signed by at
least ½ of the members of the Executive
Committee or;
34.2.4 By
a resolution of not less than seven (7) Regional Football
Association (RFAS); or
34.2.5 On
the request of not less than twenty-five (25) national
league clubs, at least eight (8) of which shall
be from the premier division
34.2.6 The
request, stating the grounds for the removal, shall
immediately request the GFA Secretariat to
convene an Extra Ordinary Congress. A copy of the
grounds for removal shall be served on the
member(s) concerned.
34.2.7 Congress
shall consider any allegations of misconduct raised
in the request and if it is satisfied that a
prima facie case has been made for the
member(s) to answer, it shall give the
member(s) a hearing.
34.2.8 Congress
shall consider both the allegations and the defense
and vote on the matter.
34.2.9 Voting
for the purpose of removing a member shall be by
secret ballot which shall be carried by a vote
of not less than 75% of the Members of Congress
present and voting.
34.2.10 A
member so removed shall cease to hold office forthwith.
For the avoidance of doubt, not later than the
day Congress votes him out of
office.
ARTICLE 35 PRESIDENT
35.1. The President shall be the legal representative of the GFA.
35.2. He shall preside over all meetings of the Congress and the Executive and Emergency Committees.
35.3. He
shall implement, through the Secretariat the decisions taken by
Congress and the Executive Committee.
35.4. He
shall be responsible for maintaining good relations between the GFA
and other national associations, WAFU, CAF and FIFA as well as
the relevant state agencies and international organizations.
35.5. If
the President is absent or unavailable, the Vice-President shall act,
failing which the Executive Committee shall elect one of
its members to act as President.
35.6. The
President shall ensure that all organs of the GFA function effectively
to achieve the objectives specified by these statutes.
Article 36 representation and signature
36.1. The Executive Committee shall represent the GFA in all negotiations with third parties.
36.2. The
President shall sign jointly with the General Secretary all documents
and letters binding the GFA.
Article 37 external auditors
37.1. The
accounts of the GFA shall be audited by a qualified external auditor
who shall be independent of the GFA. The external auditor
shall present his findings and opinions to the GFA Congress.
37.2. The
External auditor shall be appointed each year by Congress on the
recommendation of the Executive Committee. The mandate of the
external auditor is renewable annually. The Congress reserves
onto itself the right to change the auditor.
Article 38 JUDICIAL ORGANS
38.1. The judicial organs of the GFA shall be:
38.1.1. The Disciplinary Committee
38.1.2. The Appeals Committee
38.1.3 The
Association shall designate at least three persons as
Prosecutors of the Association. A Prosecutor
shall be a lawyer of at least 5 years standing
at the Bar.
The
Prosecutors shall be responsible for the prosecution or
defence of all cases referred to the Judicial
organs by the Association.
38.2. Without
prejudice to the areas of authority reserved for Congress, the
above bodies are authorized to impose the various disciplinary
measures stipulated by these Statutes.
Article 39 disciplinary measures
39.1. Club(s),
player(s), officials of clubs, and officials of the GFA who
willfully or negligently violate the provisions of the GFA
Statutes, regulations and decisions of the competent bodies, or
who behave in an unsporting or unreasonable manner may be
penalized in accordance with the provisions of these Statutes and
the CAF and FIFA Disciplinary Code.
39.2. The GFA may impose the following penalties:
Against natural and legal persons:
- Warning;
- Reprimand;
- Fine;
- Return of prizes;
39.3. For natural persons:
- Caution;
- Expulsion;
- Match suspension;
- Ban from the dressing rooms and/or the substitutes bench;
- Ban from entering a stadium;
- Ban on taking part in any football-related activity;
39.4 For legal persons:
39.5. For
any infringement of the GFA Statutes and regulations or in the event
of any dispute related to the leagues and competitions organized
by the GFA, the Disciplinary and Appeals Committee may impose
upon clubs, officials and players the penalties mentioned.
39.6. Clubs
may only be suspended by Congress or, in cases of absolute and
urgent necessity, the Executive Committee, subject to
ratification by the next Congress.
39.7. Suspended
Clubs shall forfeit their right to vote at Congress and shall not
be allowed to take part in GFA Competitions.
Article 40 THE Disciplinary Committee
There
shall be two Disciplinary Committees. Each shall consist of a Chairman,
a Vice-Chairman and three (3) other members. The Chairman and
Vice-Chairman shall be qualified Lawyers of at least five (5) years
standing.
40.1. Any three (3) members including the Chairman or the Vice-Chairman of the Committee shall form a quorum.
40.2. The General Secretary shall provide a Secretary who shall not be a member of the Committee.
40.3 Functions of the Disciplinary Committee shall be:
40.3.1 To
adjudicate in cases arising out of a match or matches
organized or sanctioned by the GFA or any
international Association to which the
GFA is affiliated.
40.3.2 To
deal with offences involving violence, assault and
misconduct or indiscipline of Players,
Match Officials, Team Officials and Supporters
in connection with any match. This includes
incidents before, during and after the match. It
also includes a match that was not played or
abandoned.
40.3.3 To
deal with offences involving the infringement of the
Laws of the Game, the Regulations of all
International Bodies to which the GFA is
affiliated and Statutes and Regulations
of the GFA.
40.3.4 The
Committee may decide to invite any person or persons
to assist the Committee in the discharge
of its duties.
40.3.5 To
study match reports from either the National, or Regional
Football Associations and other independent reports
and take the necessary decisions.
40.4. Any
club or club official or player, or match official who is dissatisfied
or aggrieved by a decision of the Disciplinary Committee shall be
entitled to appeal to the Appeals Committee within three (3) days
of being notified in writing of the decision of the Disciplinary
Committee.
40.5. Except
in cases of violence or misconduct the Disciplinary Committee shall
not be obliged to invite clubs, club officials, match official(s)
member(s) of a club(s) or player(s) to their sittings.
40.6. An
appeal against a decision of the Disciplinary Committee of the Regional
Football Association Division Two League shall be heard by the GFA
Disciplinary Committee as an appellate Committee. If the club official,
or player feels aggrieved by the decision of the GFA Disciplinary
Committee it may apply to the Appeals Committee of the National
Association for review and its decision shall be final.
40.7. The
Disciplinary Committee may also refer to television and video
recordings. They may be used to elicit evidence but only as far as the
disciplinary aspect of the case being dealt with is concerned and shall
not affect the referees decision regarding facts connected with play.
Article 41 appeals committee
41.1. The
Appeals Committee shall be constituted by 10 members. 5 of whom shall
be empanelled to hear a given case. 7 members shall be empanelled from
the 10 to hear all Applications for Review.
41.2. The Committee shall be composed of:
- Ten (10) persons appointed by the GFA Executive Committee.
- The General Secretary of the Association or his Deputy shall be the Secretary with no voting rights.
41.3 The
Chairman of the Appeals Committee shall be a Justice of the Superior
Court of judicature or a Legal Practitioner of not less than ten
(10) years standing at the Bar. The Vice-Chairman shall be a
lawyer of at least 5 years standing.
41.4. The
Appeals Committee shall be duly constituted for its work by five
members appointed by the Chairman.
41.5. The
Appeals Committee shall hear and determine appeals from decisions
of the Disciplinary Committee and the Players’ Status Committee
of the GFA. It is hereby provided that an appeal shall lie to the
Appeals Committee at the instance of a club, official or
player of a club or match official.
41.6. The
Appeals Committee shall have power to adjudicate or settle
grievances and differences referred to it by the GFA.
41.7. The
decision of the Appeals Committee in any matter shall be final
provided that the Appeals Committee shall have power to review
its own decision either suo motu or on an application by an
aggrieved party.
41.8. An
application for review shall be accompanied by a fee to be approved by
Congress and communicated to members.
- The
Appeals Committee shall have no power to entertain an application for
review unless such application is lodged with the GFA Secretariat not
later than three (3) days after the decision has been communicated in
writing to the club, official or player or match official and
accordingly the Appeals Committee shall have no power to review its own
decision after the expiry of the period specified above.
- In the absence of the Chairman and the Vice-Chairman the Longest
Serving-Member of the Committee shall preside and constitute a five (5)
man committee to hear appeals and a seven (7) man committee to hear
Reviews.
ARTICLE 42 DISPUTE RESOLUTION COMMITTEE
42.1 The
GFA, its members and its officials undertake not to take any dispute
to the ordinary law court unless specifically provided for in the
Statutes of
the
GFA or FIFA. Members are required to submit any such disputes to the
jurisdiction of the appropriate organs of the GFA, CAF or
FIFA.
- The
GFA shall have jurisdiction over internal disputes, that is disputes
between parties belonging to the GFA, while FIFA shall have
jurisdiction on international disputes that is disputes between two
national Associations and or Confederations.
- There
shall be a Dispute Resolution Committee of the GFA to resolve disputes
within the Association. The Dispute Resolution Committee shall be
appointed on an ad hoc basis by the Executive Committee.
42.4 The functions and duties of the Dispute Resolution Committee shall be to:
42.4.1 Determine
and decide on disputes not within the jurisdiction of
the Disciplinary, Appeals, and the Players’
Status Committee of the Association.
- Investigate and decide on disputes involving ownership, control or management of the member.
42.4.3. Investigate
and decide on disputes and differences between
members or between a member or members and a player
in respect of the player’s registration, transfer, contract
of service or compensation due in respect of a
player’s transfer.
42.5. The
resolution of any of the disputes set out in this Article shall be by
way of arbitration and consequently the following procedure shall
be adopted in the appointment of the Dispute Resolution Committee
to determine the dispute. The parties may however agree to have
their dispute settled.
42.6. A
member or person claiming any right or having any grievance relating to
any of the matters set out in Article 42.4 may notify the General
Secretary of his claim. The notice shall set out the name of the
party or person against whom the claim is made, the nature of the
claim and a summary of the facts on which the claim is
founded.
- The
party making the claim shall not later than seven days from the date of
the claim notify the General Secretary of the name and address of the
person nominated by the party to serve on the Dispute Resolution
Committee.
- The
party against whom the claim is made shall not later than seven days of
being notified of the claim deliver to the General Secretary and/or to
the party making the claim the name and address of the person nominated
by the party to serve on the Dispute Resolution Committee.
- The
General Secretary shall set a date, not later than seven days from the
date of receipt of the name and address of the arbitrators under
Article 42.7 and 42.8 and convene the first meeting of the arbitrators.
- The
arbitrators within three days of being appointed shall appoint an
umpire, failing which the General Secretary shall within three days
appoint an umpire.
- The award of the arbitrators shall be final.
- No
member or officer of any member shall have the right to institute any
proceedings in any court in respect of disputes which the Dispute
Resolution Committee is empowered by these statutes to determine.
42.13 Where
the arbitrators are unable to agree on any matter or any issue in
any matter, they shall refer the matter or issue to an umpire and
the award of the umpire on the matter or issue shall be
final.
42.14 The
conduct of proceedings by and the powers of the Dispute Resolution
Committee shall be in accordance with the Arbitration Act 1961,
Act 38 as if the Dispute Resolution Committee was appointed under
an arbitration agreement by the parties.
42.15 No
member, officer or supporter of a member shall have the right to
institute any proceedings in court against the Association on any
dispute or claim.
ARTICLE 43 COURT OF ARBITRATION FOR SPORTS (CAS)
43.1 In
accordance with Articles 59 and 60 of the FIFA Statutes, any appeal
against a binding decision of an organ of FIFA shall be dealt with by
CAS which shall be recognized by the GFA and its members as an
independent judicial authority whose decision they will respect. The
CAS shall however, not have jurisdiction on any disputes relating
to:
43.1.1 The violation of the Laws of the Game
43.1.2 Suspension of up to 4 matches or 3 months
43.1.3 Decisions
passed by an independent and duly constituted
Arbitration Committee of the GFA
43.2 The
GFA shall ensure that itself and its members, match and players’
agents will fully comply with the final and binding
decisions by FIFA or by the CAS.
ARTICLE 44 INTERNATIONAL MATCHES
44.1 The
GFA shall ensure that no international matches take place in Ghana
without the prior permission of the FIFA Executive Committee, and
further that it will take steps to comply with the international
match calendar of FIFA.
ARTICLE 45 APPROVAL
45.1 The
GFA shall ensure that itself and its members do not participate in any
competition of another national Association or Confederation
without the prior permission of FIFA.
Article 46 THE gfa secretariat
46.1. The GFA Secretariat is the permanent administrative organ of the GFA.
46.2. It
shall be responsible for all the administrative work of the GFA which
shall be carried out under the direction of the General
Secretary.
46.3. The functions of the Secretariat shall be:
46.3.1. To
implement the decisions of the organs and Standing
Committees of the GFA.
46.3.7 To
handle such other assignments as may be referred to
it by the Executive Committee.
Article 47 THE GENERAL SECRETARY
47.1. The General Secretary shall be the head of the General Secretariat of the GFA.
47.2. He
shall be appointed by the Executive Committee. He shall discharge
his duties on the basis of a contract of employment.
47.3. He shall be responsible for the implementation of all of the functions of the General Secretariat
47.4. He
shall take part in the meetings of Congress, and the meetings of the
Executive Committee but without the right to vote, and in those
of the Standing Committees in a consultative role. If he is
unable to attend, he shall designate one of his
deputies.
47.5. He shall provide secretarial support for the Standing Committees.
47.6. He may act as the GFA’s legal representative if empowered specifically by the Executive Committee.
47.7. He
shall prepare the agenda of meetings of Congress, Executive
Committee and the Standing Committees in consultation with the
President.
47.8. He
shall be responsible for compiling the minutes of the meetings of
Congress, the Executive Committee, Emergency Committee and the
Standing Committees.
47.9. He shall be responsible for GFA correspondence and public relations.
47.10. He
shall be responsible for managing the finances of GFA and keeping
proper accounts. To this end, he shall:
47.10.2 Certify all documents relating to expenses and income.
47.11. He
shall be responsible for the recruitment and dismissal of all staff,
subject to the approval of the Executive Committee.
47.12. He
shall submit to the Executive Committee proposals concerning the
appointment and dismissal of the Deputy General Secretaries and
other staff of the Secretariat.
Article 48 Emergency committee
48.1 There shall be an emergency Committee to take decisions between meetings of the Executive Committee.
48.2. The
Emergency Committee shall be made up of the President, the
Vice- President and three (3) Members of the Executive Committee.
Any three (3) members including the President or the
Vice-President shall form a quorum for meetings of the
Emergency Committee.
48.3. The
Executive Committee shall from time to time spell out the areas of
authority of the Emergency Committee. The Emergency Committee
shall have power to decide on financial matters provided always
that this power shall exclude the approval of budget estimates
submitted by the General Secretary. The above notwithstanding,
the Emergency Committee shall
have no power to take decisions relating to Art. 32 (3), (4), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10) and (13).
48.4. All
decisions taken by the Emergency Committee in conformity with Article
48.3 shall be binding and shall be ratified by the Executive
Committee at its next meeting.
48.5. The President shall be responsible for convening Emergency Committee meetings.
48.6. The
other three (3) members of the Emergency Committee shall be
elected by the Executive Committee from its membership.
ARTICLE 49 REGIONAL FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
49.1 There
shall be Regional Football Associations which shall organize football
in the regions on behalf of the Ghana Football Association.
49.2 The
organization, administration and activities of the Regional Football
Association shall be in accordance with the provisions of these
Statutes and other guidelines approved from time to time by the
Executive Committee of the GFA.
49.3.1 The 2nd Division Clubs – 2 delegates from each club.
49.3.2 The
3rd and 4th Division Clubs (two delegates from
each district elected by the
District)
49.3.3 The
Juvenile Football Clubs (two representatives
elected from the Juvenile Clubs)
49.3.4 Third
Cycle Educational Institutions Sports Association - one
delegate
49.3.5 The
Regional Womens’ Football – two delegates
49.3.6 The
Regional Referees Association - two delegates elected
by the Association shall attend Congress
- The Coaches in the Regions - two delegates elected by the Association shall attend Congress
- Players - 2 Delegates
49.4 The
structure of the Regional Football Association shall as far as possible
conform to the structure of the GFA.
49.5 It
shall hold Annual Congress of representatives of its constituent
members as in Article 49.3 above to receive and consider among other
matters, reports of the Regional Executive Committee including audited
financial statements.
ARTICLE 50 AREAS OF AUTHORITY
50.1. It shall organize the Regional 2nd Division League.
50.2. It
shall supervise the activities of the Regional Womens’ Football
Committee and the District Football Association which shall
operate on the lines of the RFA.
50.3. It shall supervise the activities of the Regional Juvenile Football Committee.
50.6. It shall implement the decisions of the GFA at the District level in furtherance of the objectives of the GFA.
ARTICLE 51 LIMITATION OF POWERS OF THE REGIONAL FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
51.1. An
obligation not to enact or operate under statutes and Regulations which
are inconsistent with the provisions of the GFA Statutes except with
the prior approval in writing of the Executive Committee.
51.2 The
Regional Football Association shall not have the power to print or sell
player registration licences.
51.3 The
Regional Football Associations and the District Football Associations
shall have no power to take decisions in any of the following except
with the prior approval in writing of the Executive Committee of the
GFA. These are:
51.3.1 Abridgement of the 2nd Division Leagues.
51.3.2 Expulsion of Clubs from the League
51.3.3 Formation
of a Regional Club to participate in the Middle
League Competition for promotion to Division
One.
51.4 Any such decision taken in contravention of these Statutes shall be null and void.
ARTICLE 52 THE REGIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
52.1 The Regional Executive Committee shall consist of:
52.1.1 The
Chairman elected by the Regional Congress. The
Executive Committee shall elect one of
its members as Vice- Chairman.
Article 53 DISTRICT FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
53.2 The
organization, administration and activities of the District
Football Association shall be in accordance
with the provision of these Statutes and other
guidelines approved from time to time by the
Executive Committee of the GFA.
- The District Football Association Congress shall consist of the following members:
53.3.1 The
3rd Division Clubs - 2 delegates from each
club,
- The District Women’s
- The District Referees
- The Coaches Association
53.3.8 Players - 2 delegates elected
- It shall organize the 3rd, 4th and 5th Division League
- It shall supervise the District Women’s Football Committee
- It shall supervise the activities of the District Juvenile Football Committee
- Liaise with the Regional Football Association for the organization of middle league for promotion of 2nd Division
- It
shall implement the decisions of the Regional Football Association at
the District level in further of the objectives of the Ghana Football
Association.
article 55 – limitation of powers of the district football association
- An
obligation not to enact or operate under Statutes and Regulations which
are inconsistent with the provisions of the GFA Statutes except with
the prior approval in writing of the Executive Committee.
- The District Football Association shall not have the power to print or sell player registration licence.
- The
District Football Association shall have no power to take any of the
following except with the prior approval in writing of the Executive
Committee of the GFA. These are:
- Abridgement of the 3rd, 4th and 5th Division Leagues.
- Expulsion of clubs from the league.
- Formation of a District Club to participate in the Middle League Competition for promotion to Division Two.
- Re-registration of players for a chosen club to represent the District in the Middle League Competition.
- Five (5) persons elected by the 3rd Division Clubs in the District.
- Three (3) persons elected by the 4th and 5th Division Clubs in the District.
- Two (2) persons elected by the Juvenile Football Committee in the District.
- One (1) person elected by the Women Football Committee in the District.
- One (1) person elected by the Referees Association in the District.
article 57 - Standing committees
57.1. The Standing Committees of the GFA are:
57.1.1. National Juvenile Committee
57.1.2. Finance Committee
57.1.3. Technical & Development Committee
57.1.4. Medical Committee
57.1.5. Referees Committee
57.1.6. Media and Public Relations Committee
57.1.7. International Relations Committee
57.1.8. Players’ Status Committee
57.1.9. Premier League Board
57.1.10. Division One League Board
57.1.11. Women’s League Board
57.1.12. Legal Committee
57.1.13. Public Interest Committee
57.2. The
Executive Committee shall determine how many members should be
appointed to each Standing Committee.
57.3. The Executive Committee may set up ad hoc Committee as and when it deems it necessary to do so.
ARTICLE 58 NATIONAL JUVENILE COMMITTEE
58.1 The
Executive Committee shall determine the number of persons that will
be appointed as members of the Committee. The GFA shall provide a
Secretary.
58.2 Duties
58.2.1. To
be responsible for the orderly development, control,
promotion, management, organization and
administration of Juvenile Football in the
country.
58.2.2. To formulate Bye-Laws for juvenile football in the country.
58.2.3. To assist in the organization of the National Juvenile Teams.
58.2.4. To
instill high ideals of discipline, fair play, patriotism and
sportsmanship in juvenile football in the
country.
ARTICLE 59 FINANCE COMMITTEE
59.1 The
Executive Committee shall determine the number of persons to be
appointed as members of the Committee. The GFA shall provide a
Secretary.
59.2 The Committee shall:
59.2.1. Cooperate
with the General Secretary to prepare and submit the
Annual Budget of the various Committee of the GFA
before the commencement of the football
season;
59.2.2. Monitor
the Working of the Budget and make
recommendations to the Executive
Committee;
59.2.3. Review
the Accounts of the GFA and send periodic reports
and recommendations to the Executive
Committee;
59.3.4 Advise
the GFA on other financial transactions or
investments.
ARTICLE 60 TECHNICAL AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
60.1 The
Executive Committee shall determine the number of persons to be
appointed as members of the Committee. The GFA shall provide a
Secretary.
60.2 Duties
60.2.1. To
be responsible for the welfare of the technical handlers and
players of the National Teams.
60.2.2. To organize coaching courses for Coaches in order to improve the techniques of coaching.
60.2.3. To
educate Coaches, Players, Clubs and the spectatoring public on
the Laws of the Game and the Regulations of the GFA
and the International Bodies to which the GFA
is affiliated.
60.2.4. To
arrange Courses and Conferences for Match Officials, Team
Officials, Instructors, Trainers and
Administrators.
60.2.5. To
assess the training programme of the National Teams, examine
Reports on Players made by the Handlers (Team
Managers, Coaches and the Welfare
Officers), analyse International Matches and advise
the GFA.
ARTICLE 61 MEDICAL COMMITTEE
61.1. The
Executive Committee shall determine the number of persons to be
appointed as members of the Committee. The GFA shall provide a
secretary to the Committee.
61.2 Duties
61.2.1. To
assist Doctors attached to the National Teams to prepare
various data on the players of the
National Teams.
61.2.2. To advise on all problems of Medicine, Physiology, Hygiene, and Diet.
61.2.3. To
propose steps that may improve the physical health of players,
and guarantee their physical fitness.
61.2.4. To prepare memoranda concerning medical services for footballers
61.2.5. To
draw up regulations, directives and instructions relating to
medicine and in particular in relation to
doping.
ARTICLE 62 REFEREES COMMITTEE
62.1 The
Executive Committee shall determine the number of persons to be
appointed as members of the Committee. The GFA shall provide a
Secretary.
Duties
62.1.1. To supervise the activities of Match Officials.
62.1.2. To
organize refresher courses for Referees to update their
techniques and knowledge in refereeing.
62.1.3. To
liaise with the Referees Association of Ghana (RAG) and ensure
that suitable candidates are recruited to become
referees.
58.1.4. To recommend to the GFA, a list of referees at the beginning of every season.
62.1.5. To
recommend the suspension or removal from the referees list,
those found to be incompetent or guilty of
serious misconduct.
62.1.6. To appoint Referees for Premier, First Division and international matches.
62.1.7 To
study the reports of match officials and make recommendations
to the Ghana Football Association.
ARTICLE 63 MEDIA AND PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE
63.1 The
Executive Committee shall determine the number of persons to be
appointed as members of the Committee.
Duties
63.1.1. To
assist the General Secretariat in educating the general public on
the activities of the GFA and its Committees.
63.1.2. To monitor and advise the General Secretary on Public Relations and Media activities.
- To ensure effective publicity for all activities of GFA.
ARTICLE 64 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE
64.1 The
Executive Committee shall determine the number of persons to be
appointed as members of the Committee. The Secretary shall be the
General Secretary of the GFA.
Duties
64.1.1. To seek the welfare of GFA in International fora
64.1.2. To
advise the GFA on its commitments to the International bodies
to which it is affiliated.
64.1.3. Scout
for suitable and qualified Ghanaians and advise the
Association to prepare them for service on
International Football Organisations.
ARTICLE 65 PLAYERS’ STATUS COMMITTEE
65.1 The
Executive Committee shall determine the number of persons to be
appointed as members of the Committee.
65.2 Duties
The Committee shall deal with any disputes concerning:
65.2.1. Amateur or Professional status of players
65.2.2. Floating players status
65.2.3. Status of a refugee player
65.2.4. Any other matter(s) regarding the status and/or eligibility of a player
65.2.5 The
decision of the Committee in all matters shall be
communicated to the Executive
Committee.
65.2.6 An
appeal against a decision of the Committee may be lodged with
the Appeals Committee of the GFA in accordance with
these Regulation whose decision shall be
final.
ARTICLE 66 PREMIER LEAGUE BOARD
66.1. The
Executive Committee shall determine the number of persons to be
appointed as members of the Committee.
66.2. The Secretary to the Committee shall be appointed by the GFA.
66.3. The Board shall meet as often as it deems fit.
66.4. The duties of the Board shall include the following:
66.4.1. To
process licences for all professional clubs and their
players for authentication by the GFA.
66.4.2 To
prepare fixtures, and print tickets for professional
league matches for the approval of the
Executive Committee.
66.4.10 To
ensure that Premier League Clubs have been duly
incorporated as companies limited by
either shares or guarantee.
66.4.11
To perform any other duties which the GFA may from time
to time assign to the Board, PROVIDED always that the
Board shall not have responsibility for and shall not
in any way handle or execute any of the
following:
ARTICLE 67 DIVISION ONE LEAGUE BOARD
67.1. The
Executive Committee shall determine the number of persons to be
appointed as members of the Committee.
67.2. There shall be a Secretary to the Committee appointed by the GFA.
67.4. The duties of the Committee shall include the following:
63.4.1. To
prepare fixtures for and orgainse the Division One
League upon the approval of the Executive
Committee
67.4.2. To
implement GFA policies regarding the Division One
League
67.4.3. To
assist Regional Football Associations to organize and
declare their Regional Football League and FA
Cup Champions.
67.4.7 To
evaluate match reports and refer disciplinary matters and
protest to the Disciplinary Committee, provided that
nothing shall prevent the GFA from referring
disciplinary matters and protests to the Disciplinary
Committee if it considers it expedient to do
so.
67.4.8 To
recommend to the GFA such amendments in the GFA
Rules and Regulations as the Committee shall
consider appropriate.
67.4.9 To
perform any other duties which the GFA may from time
to time assign to the Board, PROVIDED ALWAYS
that the DOL, shall not have
responsibility for and shall not in any way handle or
execute any of the following:
ARTICLE 68 WOMEN’S LEAGUE BOARD
68.1 The Executive Committee shall determine the number of persons to be appointed as members of the Board.
68.2. There shall be a Secretary appointed by the GFA.
68.3 Duties
68.3.1 To
be responsible for the orderly development, control, promotion,
management, organization and administration of Women
Soccer in the Country.
68.3.3 To
instill high ideals of discipline, fair play, patriotism, and
sportsmanship in Women Football in the Country.
68.3.6 The Board shall not in any way commit the GFA financially
without prior consultation and approval of the GFA
Executive Committee.
68.3.7 The Board shall have the power to seek financial help,
assistance, sponsorship for the development and
promotion of Women Football in the country.
ARTICLE 69 LEGAL COMMITTEE
69.1 The
Executive Committee shall determine the number of persons to be
appointed as members of the Committee. The GFA shall provide a
Secretary to the Committee.
69.2 Duties
69.2.1. To advise on all legal matters affecting the GFA
69.2.2. To advise the GFA on domestic and international transfers
69.2.3. To advise on all contracts involving the GFA
69.2.4 The
GFA may engage, either with or without a fee, the Chairman or
Vice- Chairman or both to represent it in any
suit.
69.2.5. To
draw guidelines for registration and appointment of player
licensed agents/match agents and make recommendations
to the GFA for the appointment of such agents.
ARTICLE 70 PUBLIC INTEREST COMMITTEE
70.1 There
shall be a 5-member Public Interest Committee. The
functions of the Committee shall include:
70.2. To
liaise with the Ministry responsible for Sports in terms of
provision of the necessary facilities required
for building the national football teams.
- To
liaise with the Ministry responsible for Sports in the provision of
funds by the Government for purposes of building the National
football teams.
- In
accordance with directives of the Executive Committee and the
Ministry, formulate policies, which are necessary for building
strong National teams.
70.5 Any
other functions as ascribed by the Executive Committee with
respect to the Protocol on GFA/Government
relations.
ARTICLE 71 FINANCIAL PERIOD
71.1 The financial period for the Association shall cover the period February – November.
ARTICLE 72 REVENUE
72.1 The sources of revenue of the Association shall include, but not limited to:
ARTICLE 73 EXPENDITURE PROFILE
73.1 The expenditure profile of the Association shall include but not limited to:
73.1.1. The
expenses stipulated in the annual budget
approved by the Executive
Committee;
73.1.2. Such
other expenses as are approved by Congress
and those that the Executive Committee is
entitled to incur within the scope of its
authority.
73.1.3. All
other expenses in keeping with the objectives
pursued by the GFA.
ARTICLE 74 ORGANIZATION OF COMPETITIONS
74.1. The
GFA shall be responsible for the organization and co-ordination
of official matches and competitions such as:
74.2. The
Executive Committee of the GFA may delegate power to other
bodies to organize their own competitions.
74.3. The
Executive Committee may sanction the organization of any
football competition/match within Ghana.
ARTICLE 75 JOINT OWNERSHIP
75.1 It
shall be unlawful for any commercial enterprise, (including holding
companies and subsidiary companies), private person, or any other
legal entity to have the controlling interest in more than one
club.
ARTICLE 76 MEDIA RIGHTS
76.1 The
GFA shall own the exclusive rights to broadcasts and
transmissions, and to the commercialization and distribution of
all matches coming under its jurisdiction, via any audiovisual
and sound broadcasting media whatsoever, whether live, deferred,
or as excerpts.
ARTICLE 77 DISMISSAL OF OFFICIAL OR MEMBER
77.1. The
Executive Committee may place the dismissal of an official or member
on the agenda for Congress. Any member may submit a proposal to
the Executive Committee to place such a motion for dismissal on
the agenda.
77.2. The
motion for dismissal must be justified. It should be sent out to the
members of the GFA together with the agenda for Congress.
77.3. The official or member in question has the right to speak in his defense at Congress.
77.4. If
the motion for dismissal is upheld, the Congress shall take the
appropriate decision by means of a secret ballot. The
motion must be supported by a majority of ¾ of the
votes validly cast by the official delegates present and
voting.
ARTICLE 78 DISPOSAL OF ASSETS
78.1 In
the event of dissolution, the net assets shall be sold and the proceeds
thereof shared proportional to the members with voting rights.
The final Congress may, however, decide on another destination
for the disposal of assets on the basis of a ¾ majority.
ARTICLE 79 APPLICATION OF STATUTES
79.1. In
case of doubt as to the meaning or interpretation of these Statutes
the Executive Committee shall be the final arbiter.
79.2. Should
any of the provisions of these Statutes be in conflict with the
Articles of CAF or FIFA then the rules or Articles of CAF or FIFA
shall apply, unless such a conflict is specifically allowed or
condoned by CAF or FIFA.
79.3. Should
these Statutes be silent on any matter that may arise, the
Articles and Rules of CAF or FIFA shall apply and if they are
silent the Executive Committee shall give a ruling on such
a matter which shall be final and binding.
ARTICLE 80 EXECUTIVE ARRANGEMENTS
80.1 The
Executive Committee shall ensure that the Statutes of the GFA are
applied, and adopts the executive arrangements required for
their application.
ARTICLE 81 DISSOLUTION
81.1 Any
decision relating to the dissolution of the GFA requires a majority of
¾ of all of the members of the GFA, obtained in the course of
Congress specially convened for the purpose.
ARTICLE 82 AMENDMENTS
82.1 These
Statutes or any provision thereof that the GFA may hereafter bring
into force may be amended by a resolution of ¾ or 75% of the
votes of those members entitled to vote and present at the time
of voting at an Annual or Extraordinary Congress provided that 14
days notice of the intended amendment has been given before the
said meeting.
ARTICLE 83 INDEMNITY
83.1 The
officials of the Association shall be and are hereby indemnified
against all losses, charges, damages and all other expenses and
liability they may incur or be put to concerning the bona fide
execution of their duties as officials of the Association.
ARTICLE 84 TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS
84.1. Any
member of staff of the GFA who immediately before the coming into
force of these statutes held or is acting in any office in
existence immediately before the coming into force of these
statutes shall be deemed to have been appointed under these
statutes.
84.2. All
decisions taken by the Congress, Executive Council, Management
Board of the GFA in conformity with the Statutes preceding these
statutes shall be deemed to be valid until otherwise varied under
the statutes.
84.3. All
contracts entered into between the GFA and third parties in conformity
with the existing statutes shall continue to have legal effect
until otherwise amended, or modified under these statutes.
84.4. All
office holders elected on the GFA Executive Council and GFA
Management Board, Regional Football Associations existing under
the present Statutes shall continue to hold office until the
constitution of the new National and Regional Executive
Committees set up under these statutes.
84.5. All
Committees of the GFA in existence before the coming into force of
these statutes shall on the coming into force of these
Statutes continue in existence until the re-constitution of
new Committees by the Executive Committee.
84.6. All
clubs, Members existing before the coming into force of these Statutes
shall complete and return to the General Secretary declarations
on article 12.
- The
term of office for the Executive Committee members on the coming into
force of these Statutes shall be deemed to have commenced from the
beginning of the 2006 season.
- Congress shall fix the date for election to all offices under these Statutes.
84.9. All
decisions taken by Committees existing before the coming into force of
these Statutes shall have the legal effect.
84.10. All
cases pending before the Disciplinary and Appeals Committee must be
proceeded with and completed within a reasonable time. |
