George Afriyie’s case against GFA Appeals Committee dismissed by CAS
In a ruling delivered on May 6, 2024, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) affirmed the verdict of the Ghana Football Association's Appeals Committee and levied costs against George Akwasi Afriyie.
An appeal filed against a decision of the GFA Appeals Committee by a failed presidential aspirant, George Afriyie, has been dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS).
In a ruling communicated to both parties on May 6, 2024, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) affirmed the verdict of the Ghana Football Association's Appeals Committee and levied costs against George Akwasi Afriyie.
George Akwasi Afriyie, the petitioner in the case, has been directed to remit CHF 1,000.00 (one thousand Swiss Francs) to the Ghana Football Association as a contribution toward legal fees and ancillary expenses incurred during the arbitration process.
Furthermore, CAS determined that George Akwasi Afriyie shall bear the arbitration costs separately assessed.
On September 29, 2023, George Akwasi Afriyie lodged an appeal with CAS against the GFA concerning the ruling of the GFA Appeals Committee.
His appeal sought an injunction instructing the GFA Elections Committee to permit his candidacy for the GFA Presidency.
Additionally, he requested the nullification of any GFA presidential election conducted during the pendency of the case and a directive for fresh elections by the GFA.
The GFA argued that the Elections Committee and the Appeals Committee rightfully disqualified George Akwasi Afriyie, asserting that he did not meet the criteria outlined in Article 30(3) of the GFA Statutes.
The GFA contended, among other points, that one member's endorsement of the petitioner was executed through an individual not listed as an authorized signatory of the club.
The GFA further contended that the appeal lacked legal merit and amounted to forum shopping by the petitioner based on identical facts.
Upon a thorough review of all evidence and submissions, CAS concluded that there were no valid grounds to overturn the decision made by the GFA Appeals Committee.
CAS upheld the Elections Committee's ruling, citing that the petitioner's nomination, contrary to the GFA statutes and regulations, was backed by four instead of the required five GFA members.
This decision by CAS brings finality to the issue of George Akwasi Afriyie's disqualification from the 2023 GFA Presidential Elections.
