The 2023/24 Upper West Regional Division II League ended on Sunday, June 23, 2024, but not without its share of controversies.
The league saw a total of 16 protest cases filed throughout its duration which highlights the competitiveness and sometimes contentious nature of the tournament.
A total of 23 teams, divided into three groups from Wa to the Sissala area, participated in the league. Each group produced two teams for the middle league stage.
Group 1 played 144 matches, Group 2 played 128 matches, and Group 3 played 30 matches. The middle league added another 30 matches, bringing the total number of matches played to 332.
With 16 protest cases recorded, this averages to a protest for every 20 matches.
The majority of the protests were related to player registration, specifically double registration and the impersonation of unregistered players, as outlined in articles 28(1)(a) and 28(2)(a) of the Regional League Regulations.
Teams found in breach of these regulations faced forfeiture of matches according to article 33(1)(e).
Some of the teams affected by these rulings included Real Nadowli United FC, Wa Dark Horses FC, Wa Sombo Freedom Stars, Mangu FC, and Wa Ziko Babies FC.
Conversely, clubs such as Kalibi FC, Wa Sore Nante FC, Sombo Freedom Stars FC and Real Nadowli United FC were fined after losing their respective protest cases.
The Upper West Regional Football Association Disciplinary Committee demonstrated a high level of precision in their rulings, losing only one decision out of all the cases presented. This accuracy has been praised by football pundits across the region.
The timely adjudication of the protest cases committee has also been commended which ensures that the league progressed smoothly despite the disputes.
