Hindsight: What does the law say about Nations FC's walk-off?

The scenes are familiar: two goalkeepers surrounded by a crowd. Uniformed police officers try to restore calm.

But this isn't 2005. It's not about Kotoko's reaction to Joseph Lamptey's performance. This is just another chaotic game in the Ghana Premier League.

Eventually, order was restored. But Nations F.C. had seen enough. Their owner, Dr. Kwame Kyei, took action and led his team onto their bus.

They left for Abrankese, knowing they could be declared losers. They risked losing three points and jeopardizing their title hopes.

Why did Nations F.C. walk off with one match left in the season? Were there any reasons behind their decision?

In a press statement, Nations raised safety concerns. They alleged that two of their directors were attacked during the match.

Before the game started, Nations F.C. complained about security personnel numbers to the match commissioner. The GFA confirmed that more than 70 officers were present after a head count.

Despite this confirmation, the match was already delayed by 30 minutes when it began.

Nations' statement cited two main reasons for walking off: poor officiating and security concerns.

What does the law say about this situation?

The GFA's enhanced matchday security protocols do not recognize poor officiating as grounds to call off a match.

However, they do address security issues. The away team cannot decide to cancel a match based on security alone.

If security is deemed inadequate, a crisis meeting should occur to find solutions consistent with league regulations.

If no agreement is reached due to home team negligence, the home team forfeits the match.

The Regional Security Officer will determine if conditions were beyond the home team's control and may arrange a replay if necessary.

Nations' fate depends on testimonies from both the Regional Security Officer and Match Commissioner.

If they confirm adequate security but Nations still walked off, they may forfeit the match according to Premier League Regulations.

What happens then?

Article 33, section 1A states that any team leaving or refusing to play will lose the match. Additionally, they will lose three points from previous matches.

Section five also imposes a fine of 5,000 Ghana cedis on offending clubs; half goes to Basake Holy Stars in this case.

It has been less than three months since new security protocols were introduced after Nana Pooley's death.

Hopefully, the GFA will uphold its principles and deliver a fair verdict consistent with regulations.