The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has fined Nations FC striker Emmanuel Annor GH₵500 for violating conduct rules. The infraction occurred during a Ghana Premier League match against Asante Kotoko when Annor celebrated a goal by revealing a religious inscription on his undershirt, which read, “I belong to Jesus.” This action was deemed a breach of league regulations.

The GFA Disciplinary Committee clarified in an official statement dated May 13, 2025, that players are prohibited from displaying religious or political messages during games. The GFA emphasized that the rules are designed to maintain neutrality and uniformity across all league matches. The committee issued a stern warning to Annor, indicating that future violations could result in harsher consequences, including suspension.

The incident has sparked debate among football enthusiasts and analysts about the intersection of personal beliefs and professional sportsmanship. While some have supported Annor’s public display of faith, others have backed the GFA’s enforcement of league protocols.

The display of religious or political messages during football matches is regulated by the Laws of the Game, set by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), and enforced by individual football associations like the GFA. IFAB’s Law 4 addresses player equipment, restricting undergarments with religious, political, personal, or commercial messages unless approved by the competition organizer. Law 12 considers removing the jersey to display any message as unsporting behavior, resulting in a yellow card.

FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) also discourage players from making such statements during matches to maintain neutrality and avoid controversies. While a yellow card is the initial punishment, football associations may impose additional fines or suspensions for repeated offenses. The GFA, adhering to FIFA/IFAB guidelines, prohibits messages that could be deemed divisive or promotional without prior approval. Beyond a yellow card, the GFA Disciplinary Committee can issue fines or suspensions for repeated violations, as seen in Annor’s case.

The GFA Disciplinary Committee stated that football governing rules do not permit players to display religious messages to avoid division in the sport. The committee cautioned that Annor would face severe sanctions if he repeats the same actions. This decision has elicited mixed reactions from football fans, with some questioning the fine for a first-time offense, while others support the enforcement of the law.