October 26, 2022
The brief from today:
Ashanti Gold appeal dismissed
Ghanaian football club, Ashanti Gold, recently opened legal proceedings against the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for their relegation at the end of last season. The demotion of the club to the second division came in June after a match fixing probe surrounding their final match of the season against Inter Allies. Ashanti Gold decided to appeal the decision at the end of September, which forced the Ghanaian Premier League season, only three rounds in, to be suspended indefinitely. As of today, however, the Accra Human Rights Court has passed their ruling, and Ashanti Gold have failed in their effort to overturn the original GFA judgment. Due to their loss in court, Ashanti Gold were also ordered to pay the legal fees for the case totaling $1440, which will add to their new found woes of playing below the top tier. The Premier League has now been given the all clear to resume after a few weeks of standstill, and authorities have moved quickly declaring a resumption starting this weekend.
Ashanti Gold owner Dr. Frimpong (left) with his son, and club chairman, Emmanuel (right)
Qatar eases restrictions before World Cup
As Qatar begins to prepare for the masses with the World Cup less than a month away, some of the previous requirements for visitors have been eased. The Gulf nation announced last month that they are no longer making it mandatory for visitors to the country to be vaccinated against COVID, which had been a long standing standard since vaccines became available. They have gone a step further today with the health ministry announcing that visiting fans will not have to provide negative COVID PCR tests or rapid antigen tests before they are permitted to travel to Qatar. The new measures, scheduled to commence on November 1, won’t just affect World Cup visitors as Qatari locals can also expect some changes. Unlike the past, citizens and residents won’t have to get tested within 24 hours of returning from travel outside the country under the new guidelines. This is the latest adjustment being made by Qatar in lieu of the major demands they face hosting one of the world’s largest sporting events.
Qatar eases some restrictions for visitors, as well as its citizens/residents, in anticipation of the World Cup