On Friday, March 14, 2025, Nsoatreman F.C. officially announced their withdrawal from the Ghana Premier League.
The club’s Communications Director, Gyempeh Kofi Joel, followed up with a statement revealing that players and officials had been instructed to return all club equipment and leave the team’s premises in Nsoatre. This marked the dissolution of the club, with all contracts involving players, coaching, and administrative staff annulled by owner Ignatius Baffour Awuah, without prior compensation.
Despite the abruptness of this decision, there seems to be no ill will between the club’s owner and its former employees. Instead, all parties appear to agree that dissolution was the best course of action, given the circumstances.
What Led to the Decision?
The decision to disband the club came after a series of tense and dangerous incidents. A week prior, Nsoatreman F.C. traveled to Bibiani for their Week 20 fixture against Gold Stars, following a four-week break in the Ghana Premier League. In the days leading up to the match, rumors swirled on social media about potential reprisal attacks from Asante Kotoko fans and sympathizers of Francis ‘Nana Pooley’ Frimpong, who was brutally stabbed in Nsoatre in February.
Happier times: Nine months ago, Nsoatreman won their maiden FA Cup title
The team had two route options for the six-hour journey to Bibiani: one route passed through Kumasi, home to many Kotoko fans, while the other passed through Kukuom, Nana Pooley’s hometown.
Nsoatreman were caught between Scylla and Charybdis.
A local pastor, sympathetic to Nsoatreman, offered to provide security, supplying 15 uniformed and armed police officers after receiving intelligence about possible threats. As the team traveled, a motorcyclist attempted to chase down their bus in Kukuom. While police reports claim the motorcyclist was unarmed, Nsoatreman’s officials and players insist that the motorcyclist was carrying a pistol. The suspect was apprehended and later released, reportedly as part of a deal to ensure the team’s safe return.
Despite escaping this immediate danger, intelligence suggested further attacks on the players and staff. This constant threat, combined with the fear of more reprisal attacks, led the team to lose interest in continuing the league. With safety concerns mounting, the club officials decided to part ways with the team, feeling they, too, had become targets. The next logical step was the dissolution of the club, though it is unclear what compensation, if any, was agreed upon for those affected.
GFA president Kurt Okraku motivates Nsoatreman ahead of their maiden CAF Confederation Cup appearance
Implications on the Ghana Premier League
Nsoatreman F.C.’s withdrawal from the league has serious implications for the Ghana Premier League (GPL). If the GFA accepts the club’s withdrawal notice, it would trigger provisions under the 2019 Regulations. However, if Nsoatreman fails to honor three consecutive matches, as per the league’s regulations, an automatic withdrawal would be initiated, which could finalize their exit from the competition.
The club’s fate could be decided by the end of this week if they fail to fulfill their upcoming fixtures.
Precedent: Phar Rangers FC’s Withdrawal
A similar situation occurred in June 2020, when Phar Rangers FC withdrew from all GFA competitions, including the Division One Zone 3 League and the FA Cup. The GFA responded swiftly, charging the club with two counts: withdrawing without just cause after the Division One League had started and failing to provide satisfactory reasons for their withdrawal from the FA Cup.
The GFA imposed the following sanctions on Phar Rangers:
- A five-year suspension from all GFA competitions.
- A ban on the club’s shareholders and directors from football activities for five years.
- Players were granted free agent status.
- Any matches involving Phar Rangers were declared forfeited, with three points and three goals awarded to the opposing teams.
If the GFA follows a similar approach with Nsoatreman, two teams in the title race, Accra Hearts of Oak and Kpando Heart of Lions, will automatically earn three points and three goals each. However, teams that have already played Nsoatreman, such as Asante Kotoko and Bibiani Gold Stars, would be at a disadvantage.
Nsoatreman may remain a cautionary tale of all that is wrong with our game, despite their remarkable successes
Uncertain Future for Nsoatreman F.C.
Nsoatreman F.C.’s owner, Ignatius Baffour Awuah, has firmly decided not to revive the club. Therefore, the possibility of the club returning to competition remains highly uncertain. The GFA now faces the task of interpreting its rules and announcing a final decision regarding Nsoatreman’s status in the league.
Ultimately, the dissolution of Nsoatreman F.C. is a necessary step, but it leaves many uncertainties for the former employees who may remain vulnerable, particularly without the protection they need. The repercussions for the Ghana Premier League, while significant, will depend on the GFA’s response and the application of its regulations.
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