In a landmark decision, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has ruled in favor of Asante Kotoko midfielder Richmond Lamptey, upholding his appeal against the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
The verdict, announced today, marks a significant turning point in Richmond Lamptey's career and sets a precedent for future player disputes within the Ghanaian football enviroment.
Richmond Lamptey was banned for 2.5 years earlier this year by the Ghana Football Association for his alleged involvement in the match-fixing scandal between Inter Allies and Ashantigold SC.
Lamptey captained Inter Allies in their 7-0 loss to AshantiGold. Following the game, reports surfaced that it had been fixed, and the Disciplinary Committee, after a 10-month investigation, concluded that the match had indeed been manipulated.
As a result, the midfielder was slapped with a ban.
Kotoko who signed Lamptey from Inter Allies at the start of the current season, have responded to the verdict, saying "The attention of the Club has been drawn to a decision of the disciplinary committee of the Ghana Football association banning its player, Richmond Lamptey for a period of thirty (30) months. The alleged misconduct of the player is said to have occurred at the time he played for Inter Allies FC."
“The Player was charged by the GFA at the beginning of the 2021/2022 football season, at a time the Club had signed on the Player. The Club supported the Player through the prosecution process and would continue to lend its support to the Player at this time until finality is brought to the matter."
The midfielder will receive $3,456.80 as compensation.
Richmond Lamptey made 27 appearances and scored one goal in the 2022/23 Ghana Premier League for the Porcupine Warriors.