Berekum Chelsea file protest against WAFA over bizarre goalkeepers' strip claim after humbling defeat

Berekum Chelsea have filed a protest against West African Football Academy (WAFA) over claims of fielding an unqualified player after losing 3-2 to the side in a Ghana Premier League match last week. 

The Blues are challenging the strip used by outfield player Abdul Basit who replaced goalkeeper Osei Kwadwo Bonsu, who was rushed to the hospital after he suffered an injury.

The Sogakope-based side had exhausted their three substitutions forcing the club to rely striker Abdul Basit for goalkeeping duties in the closing stages of the game.

Chelsea are contending WAFAS breached 16:1 (C) and 20:2 of the Ghana Premier League regulations by failing to adhere to the orders determined by the Ghana FA in a match Day-22 fixture at the Golden City park.

They want WAFA to be declared losers of the match despite the law making room for a fine of GHC1,000 for a breach of the strip.

Article 16 of the Ghana League regulation reads as follows: 

(a) Pictorial replica of the registered strips, showing the front and back of the stripes. Clubs shall appear in their official strip in all official matches.

(b) In the event of a clash between the visiting team’s official strip and the home team’s official strip the visiting team shall change to its reserve strip or combination of the official and reserve strips as determined by the GFA.

(c) Where there is a clash of colours in respect of the goalkeeper’s strip and the outfield players’ strip the goalkeeper shall change to a reserve strip. Any clash occurring between the colour of the two goalkeepers’ strips, thethe goalkeeper of the visiting team shall change his strip. In the event that an outfield player is replacing the goalkeeper the outfield player shall appear in his team’s registered goalkeeper’s shirt without a number.

(d) A club shall not be permitted to change its registered strips during the season.

(e) The logo of the title sponsor (if any) of the league shall appear on a designated portion of the sleeves of the shirts of both official and reserve strips of clubs.

(f) The GFA shall publish a register of all club strips for all clubs and Match Officials before the commencement of of the league.

(g) The Referees and Assistant Referees shall appear in strips quite distinct from those of the two teams.

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Any club which contravenes clause1(a), 1(b) and1 (c) of this Article shall be liable to fine of One Thousand Ghana Cedis(GH¢1,000.00).

Bright Amponsah scored the fastest goal of the season when he put Chelsea in front after 23 seconds with an easy finish after the goalkeeper Kwadwo Osei had blocked his initial shot.

The lead lasted until the 22nd minute as WAFA grabbed the equaliser through Justus Torsutsey - his first goal of the campaign.

A minute later, Enock Asubonteng gave WAFA the lead, also scoring a simple tap-in after being left unmarked.

But Chelsea responded three minutes to halftime with Stephen Amankonah scoring a penalty.

The Sogakope lads scored the winner in the 48th minute through Issah Basit. The forward left unmarked at the far post beat goalkeeper Obeng Sekyere.

The defeat leaves Berekum Chelsea five points above the relegation zone.