GFA Disciplinary Committee Fines Nations FC’s Emmanuel Annor for Religious Undergarment Display
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned Nations FC forward Emmanuel Annor with a fine of GH₵500 for displaying a religious message on his undergarment during a Ghana Premier League fixture.
The incident occurred during their match against Asante Kotoko at the Dr Kwame Kyei Sports Complex in Abrankese, where Annor revealed an inner vest bearing the inscription, “I belong to Jesus.”
According to the GFA, the act violates regulations that prohibit players from displaying personal messages — religious, political, or otherwise — on undershirts or other visible apparel during official matches.
The Disciplinary Committee emphasized that such conduct undermines the neutrality of the sport and could set precedents for further unauthorized expressions.
In addition to the fine, the GFA issued a stern warning to the player, stating that any recurrence of similar conduct will result in more severe sanctions.
However, Annor took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to defend his action. In a post, he questioned the fairness of the ruling, writing: “Why can football players celebrate LGBTQ+ sexuality but not their love for Jesus?” He backed his statement with a Bible verse, Romans 14:8, and concluded, “It’s the kingdom work on the pitch!”
The incident has sparked conversation among fans and commentators, with opinions divided over the intersection of faith, freedom of expression, and the rules governing professional football.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Isaac Osei Akoto
