The Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante Twum, has refuted claims made by Tema Youth president Osei Kweku ‘Palmer’ that the GFA orchestrated the club’s relegation.
Palmer alleged in an interview with Asempa FM on January 14, 2025, that the GFA had schemed to demote Tema Youth.
However, Asante Twum responded in the same medium, asserting that the relegation stemmed from the club’s failure to meet financial obligations imposed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
“Tema Youth’s relegation wasn’t plotted. They failed to pay a €150,000 fine from CAS after losing a case concerning the registration of Joseph Paintsil. When you don’t pay fines, points are deducted. That’s standard procedure,” Asante Twum explained.
He clarified that Tema Youth’s argument over Paintsil’s registration lacked merit, leading to the CAS ruling. “Tema Youth claimed Paintsil should have reverted to them after Red Bull Academy dissolved, but his official transfer had already occurred,” he said.
Asante Twum emphasised that the GFA followed due process, rejecting Palmer’s claims of foul play. “There was no conspiracy. The rules are clear—failure to pay fines results in sanctions. The GFA simply enforced the ruling,” he added.