Nations FC blames "extremely poor" officiating amid match controversy against Basake Holy Stars
By: Kwame Bediako
Nations Football Club made headlines on Sunday, June 1, 2025, when they dramatically abandoned their penultimate league game against Basake Holy Stars in a walk-off that shocked fans and officials. The club cited a series of unacceptable incidents that compromised the integrity of the game and threatened the safety of its personnel as the primary reasons for their decision to withdraw. The move has sparked widespread debate about officiating standards, security, and sportsmanship within the Ghana Premier League.
In a formal statement released by Nations FC, the club condemned the events that transpired during the match. They pointed out that the officiating was “extremely poor,” which they argued undermined the fairness of the game. More seriously, the club reported that their President, Mr. Divine Kyei Boadu and Chairman, Dr. Kwame Kyei, were physically assaulted by home supporters, creating an unsafe environment for everyone involved. The club emphasized that such violent conduct was unacceptable and a breach of the principles of sportsmanship.
The statement also revealed that security arrangements were grossly inadequate. Despite pre-match agreements to deploy 70 police officers, fewer than 20 officers were present on the day. This left the team, officials, and supporters vulnerable to violence and misconduct. Additionally, Nations FC accused the home team of disrespecting their supporters, as fans holding valid tickets were unjustly denied entry into the stadium, a clear act of discrimination that the club described as contrary to the spirit of fair play.
Media coverage of the match was also obstructed, according to Nations FC. Their accredited club videographer, who had full authorization from the Ghana Football Association, was prevented from recording the game. The obstruction was reportedly supported by supporters and officials of the home team, with the apparent backing of the Match Commissioner. The club called for an investigation into these incidents, urging the Ghana Football Association and relevant stakeholders to uphold discipline and fairness.
Statement Below:
