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Asante Kotoko’s former coach took on the Ghana FA Ethics Committee for violating regulations and discrediting the game.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced that it has “warned” Ghana’s veteran coach, JE Sarpong, of allegations that 60 percent of players in the national leagues allegedly smoke marijuana.
In June, the former Liberty Professionals and Aduana Stars coach became the subject of controversy as his claims drew disaffected reactions from various quarters.
“The GFA Ethics Committee has advised Coach JE Sarpong and Coach Ntow Gyan to behave in accordance with Section 2 of Article 7 (1) (a) (Disciplinary measures) of the GFA Code of Ethics”, announced the GFA on its website.
In addition, they will carry out social work to provide public education and carry out programs on anti-doping and anti-drugs in sports, football and youth in general.
“They are expected to contact an NGO participating in such programs for a period of six weeks, after which the NGO will need to submit a satisfactory performance report on its services.
These decisions were made by the Ethics Committee after receiving two audio recordings in which Coach JE Sarpong and Coach Ntow Gyan claimed in radio interviews that 60% of the players in the Ghana Premier League and the Division One of the League smokes marijuana (weed). ‘”
During the June episode, Sarpong reinforced his claims with revelations that he once personally helped a player obtain the substance before a Premier League match.
“The comments were found to be discrediting the game and in violation of Article 11 (2) (a), (b) and (d) of the GFA Disciplinary Code (2019),” the GFA announcement continued.
However, in their respective defense statements, both coaches apologized and admitted that their comments were inappropriate.
“In its decision on both cases, the committee has asked both coaches to publicly retract the comments and provide audio evidence to the committee.”
Sarpong was called in by veteran Aduana Stars forward Yahaya Mohammed, who demanded an apology from the then unrepentant coach.
GFA Executive Council member Frederick Acheampong called the accusations “serious business” and urged Asante Kotoko’s former coach to “prove his accusations with evidence.”
Sarpong, who has also worked with Liberty Professionals and Ebusua Dwarfs, was once an assistant coach for the Ghana Under-23 team.
