Nations FC’s historic 2024/25 Ghana Premier League title bid has ended in bitter controversy after the club sensationally walked off the pitch in their penultimate fixture against Basake Holy Stars.
The fallout from that decision has dominated headlines, with Bibiani GoldStars ultimately crowned champions for the first time in their history
But for Nations FC and their supporters, the season’s ending is not a cause for celebration ; but one of injustice, frustration, and lingering questions for the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
A Fairytale Season Goes Sour
Led by owner and business mogul Dr. Kwame Kyei, Nations FC had risen rapidly through Ghana’s football pyramid and were poised for their crowning moment. With one game to go, they were within touching distance of the league title, trailing Bibiani GoldStars by just three points. A win against Basake Holy Stars would have kept them neck and neck heading into the final day.
However, controversy erupted when the club chose to abandon the crucial fixture midway through, reportedly in protest against what they deemed unfair officiating. The walk-off effectively handed the match to Basake Holy Stars and left Nations FC’s title hopes hanging by a thread. While they won their final game of the season against Heart of Lions, it was too little, too late ; GoldStars’ concurrent victory sealed their place at the summit.
Fallout and Accusations
The decision to walk off the pitch triggered intense debate within Ghanaian football circles. Supporters of Nations FC argue that the officiating in that match was heavily biased, prompting their team to take a principled stand. Critics, however, contend that walking away undermined the spirit of competition and left the GFA no choice but to penalize the club.
Prominent football journalist Jerome Otchere weighed in, lambasting the GFA’s leadership and calling for greater transparency and reform within the association. “This isn’t just about one match,” he said. “It’s about how our football is governed ; from top to bottom.” His sentiments have been echoed across social media and football punditry circles, where many feel that the GFA’s decisions lack the clarity and fairness required to maintain integrity.
GoldStars Win Amid Shadows
Bibiani GoldStars, who had quietly built momentum all season under coach Frimpong Manso, emerged as worthy champions on paper. Their 3-2 win over Berekum Chelsea in the penultimate round positioned them atop the table, and they secured the title on the final day with a composed performance.
Yet, their triumph has been overshadowed by Nations FC’s exit from the Basake Holy Stars game. Critics argue that the title race was effectively decided in a boardroom, not on the pitch ; a sentiment that has left a stain on what should have been a celebratory moment for GoldStars.
What Happens Next?
While Bibiani GoldStars prepare for continental competition, Nations FC are left nursing a deep sense of injustice. The club is reportedly considering an official appeal to the GFA or even the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to contest the ruling that saw them forfeit the Holy Stars match. Whether such legal recourse will succeed remains uncertain, but it underscores the depth of discontent within the club.
The GFA, for its part, has maintained that the rules were applied correctly and that Nations FC’s actions constituted a breach of competition regulations. However, the lack of comprehensive communication surrounding the incident has only fueled suspicion and frustration.
Conclusion: A Divided Legacy
The 2024/25 Ghana Premier League season will be remembered for its competitiveness and drama but also for its controversy. Nations FC, who came so close to glory, find themselves at the heart of a firestorm that has exposed the structural cracks in Ghanaian football governance.
For GoldStars, their achievement remains historic ; yet, inevitably, it will always be accompanied by an asterisk in the minds of some fans. As calls grow louder for transparency and reform, the GFA faces a moment of reckoning. One club lifted the trophy, but the entire footballing community is left asking whether the system truly delivered justice on the pitch.
