The Ghana Soccer Affiliation (GFA) has imposed a GH₵500 high-quality on Nations FC striker Emmanuel Annor for breaching conduct guidelines after he celebrated a purpose by revealing a non secular inscription throughout a Ghana Premier League match towards Asante Kotoko.
Annor, who scored within the high-stakes encounter, took off his jersey to show an undershirt bearing the phrases, “I belong to Jesus.”
Whereas some supporters applauded the gesture, the GFA Disciplinary Committee dominated it a breach of league laws.
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In an official assertion dated Could 13, 2025, the GFA clarified:
The participant was discovered responsible of displaying a religious message on his undergarment after eradicating his shirt in celebration.
Though acknowledging the non-public significance of such expressions, the GFA emphasised that gamers are prohibited from showcasing non secular or political messages throughout video games.
These guidelines are designed to keep up neutrality and uniformity throughout all league matches.
Moreover, the Disciplinary Committee issued a stern warning to Annor, stating that future violations might end in harsher penalties, together with suspension.
He has additionally been strongly warned that any additional misconduct will end in extreme sanctions
The incident has ignited discussions amongst soccer fanatics and analysts relating to the intersection of private beliefs {and professional} sportsmanship.
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Whereas some recommended Annor’s public show of religion, others supported the GFA’s enforcement of league protocols.
What does the legislation say
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The show of spiritual or political messages throughout soccer matches is regulated by the Legal guidelines of the Recreation (set by the Worldwide Soccer Affiliation Board, IFAB) and additional enforced by particular person soccer associations, such because the Ghana Soccer Affiliation (GFA). Right here’s what the foundations state relating to such acts:
1. IFAB Legal guidelines of the Recreation (Regulation 4 – The Gamers’ Tools)
Undergarment Restrictions: If a participant removes their jersey to disclose an undershirt with any type of message (non secular, political, private, or industrial), it’s thought of a violation except accredited by the competitors organizer.
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Necessary Yellow Card: Eradicating the jersey to show any message (even when coated by an undershirt) is a bookable offense (warning/yellow card) below Regulation 12 (Fouls and Misconduct) for “unsporting habits.”
2. FIFA & CAF Laws
Neutrality Coverage: FIFA and the Confederation of African Soccer (CAF) discourage gamers from making non secular, political, or private statements throughout matches to keep up neutrality and keep away from controversies.
Disciplinary Penalties: Whereas the preliminary punishment is often a yellow card, soccer associations might impose further fines or suspensions for repeated offenses.
3. Ghana Premier League (GFA) Guidelines
Strict Enforcement: The GFA, like many leagues, follows FIFA/IFAB tips and prohibits messages that may very well be deemed divisive or promotional with out prior approval.
Doable Sanctions: Past the obligatory yellow card, the GFA Disciplinary Committee can problem fines (as in Annor’s case) or droop gamers for repeated violations.
