Legon Cities Football Club has found themselves in hot water with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) after failing to comply with a payment schedule set by the Players’ Status Committee (PSC). The club has been slapped with a transfer ban as a result of their non-payment of outstanding dues to former player Francis Nuer Addo.
The issue dates back to October 2021 when Legon Cities were ordered to pay Addo an amount of GHS 29,000 in unpaid salaries and benefits covering a one-year period. Despite being given multiple deadlines and a payment plan, the club failed to meet the agreed instalments for December 2024, January 2025, and February 2025.
As a result of their non-compliance, Legon Cities were fined GHC 5,000 and hit with a transfer ban effective from November 27, 2024. The club was given a final deadline to settle the full debt to Addo in three instalments, failing which automatic sanctions would be imposed, including a three-point deduction per league or FA Cup match played and a transfer ban for the 2025/26 season.
Despite the warnings and deadlines set by the Disciplinary Committee, Legon Cities continued to default on their payments, leading to the automatic triggering of the transfer ban for the upcoming season. This means that the club will not be able to register any new players until the debt to Addo is fully settled.
Francis Addo, the aggrieved player, has expressed his disappointment with the GFA for the delay in enforcing the decision. He pointed out the apparent selective enforcement of sanctions, citing the prompt action taken against other clubs for similar breaches.
Addo raised concerns about the impact of the non-enforcement on the credibility of the Ghana Premier League table and called for transparency in the enforcement of football regulations. He also urged stakeholders, including the Ministry of Sports, the National Sports Authority, and the sporting media, to ensure accountability in the process.
As it stands, Legon Cities are officially barred from participating in player transfers for the upcoming season until they settle their debt with Addo in full. The club has also been relegated to Division One at the end of the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League season.
In conclusion, the case of Legon Cities serves as a cautionary tale for other clubs in the league, highlighting the importance of fulfilling financial obligations to players and adhering to the regulations set by the football association. Failure to do so can result in severe consequences, including transfer bans and points deductions.
