The Framework for Fair Competition
The Ghana Premier League operates under a comprehensive regulatory framework designed to ensure fair competition, protect player welfare, maintain stadium safety, and uphold the integrity of Ghanaian football. These regulations are approved by the GFA Executive Council and updated regularly to meet evolving standards.
Regulatory Framework
The GPL is governed by multiple layers of regulations:
- FIFA Statutes and Regulations — International standards
- CAF Regulations — Continental requirements
- GFA Statutes 2019 — National football governance
- Ghana Premier League Regulations 2025 — Competition-specific rules
- GFA Disciplinary Code — Enforcement and sanctions
- Club Licensing Regulations — Participation standards
- GFA Media and Marketing Regulations — Commercial and media rights
The GFA Executive Council approved updated League Regulations on July 1, 2025, bringing enhanced clarity to match rules, league structure, player eligibility, and disciplinary procedures.
League Structure
Competition Format
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Teams | 18 clubs (maximum) |
| Format | Double round-robin (home and away) |
| Matches per Team | 34 (Matchday 1 to Matchday 34) |
| Total Matches | 306 per season |
| Season Duration | August to May (10 months) |
| Close Season | 1 month minimum |
Club Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Incorporated as companies limited by shares or guarantee |
| Squad Size | Maximum 40 players per season |
| Youth Players | Minimum 10 players aged 17 or below |
| U19 Requirement | 4 U19 players on matchday team sheet, 2 must play |
| Fine for U19 Non-Compliance | GHS 5,000 |
Points System
| Result | Points |
|---|---|
| Win | 3 |
| Draw | 1 |
| Loss | 0 |
League Table Tiebreakers (Head-to-Head Rule)
When teams finish level on points, the following criteria apply in order:
- Head-to-Head Points — Greater number of points in matches between tied teams
- Head-to-Head Goal Difference — Goal difference in direct encounters
- Head-to-Head Goals Scored — Goals scored in direct encounters
- Head-to-Head Away Goals Scored — Away goals in direct encounters
- Head-to-Head Goals Conceded — Goals conceded in direct encounters
- Head-to-Head Home Goals Conceded — Home goals conceded in direct encounters
- Play-off — If still tied, GFA organizes a play-off at a neutral ground
Note: Until all teams have played each other twice (home and away), total points and goal difference are used to draw the league log.
Promotion and Relegation
| Movement | Details |
|---|---|
| Relegation | Bottom 3 teams automatically relegated to Division One League |
| Promotion | Champion from each of the 3 Division One zones automatically promoted |
Player Registration & Transfers
Registration Windows
The Ghana Premier League operates two registration windows per season:
Main Registration Window (Pre-Season)
- Opens after completion of season
- Duration: Maximum 12 weeks
- Must be entered into FIFA Transfer Matching System (TMS) at least 12 months before coming into force
Second Registration Window (Mid-Season)
- Occurs in the middle of the season
- Duration: Maximum 4 weeks
- Opens 4 weeks before end of first round (or as determined by GFA)
Registration Requirements
Squad Limits:
- Maximum 40 players per club per season
- Minimum 10 players aged 17 or below
- Maximum 3 clubs per player per season (eligible to play for only 2)
Player Categories and Documentation:
| Category | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| Renewal (Amateur/Professional) | Old license, online registration, signed contract/T1 form, medical certificate |
| New Transfer | License from releasing club, transfer agreement, online registration, contract/T1, medical certificate |
| First-Time Registration | Online registration, contract (if professional), medical certificate, undertaking of no prior registration |
| Loan (Professional) | Authorization from parent club, license, loan agreement, online registration |
| Foreign Player | International Transfer Certificate, passport with work permit, passport with resident permit, contract, online registration, medical certificate |
| Refugee Player | Refugee Board letter, provisional ITC application, online registration (cannot register as professional) |
| Free Agent | PSC letter or proof of contract end, contract, online registration, medical certificate |
| Ghanaian from Abroad | International Transfer Certificate, contract, online registration, medical certificate |
Foreign Player Limits:
- Maximum 10 non-Ghanaian nationals registered
- Maximum 5 can participate in any one match
- Exception: If all 10 are from ECOWAS Community, all may participate in any match
Transfer Systems:
- All professional transfers (domestic and international) must be processed through FIFA's Transfer Matching System (TMS)
- Clubs must notify GFA of negotiation results for international transfers
Loan Regulations
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum loaned players per club | 5 |
| Minimum loan period | Between two registration periods |
| Sub-loan prohibition | Cannot transfer loaned player to third club without authorization |
| Juvenile clubs | Cannot loan players to Premier League clubs |
Player Eligibility
Players must be:
- Properly registered with GFA (only one club at a time)
- Have valid player license issued by GFA
- Not under suspension from GFA, WAFU, CAF, or FIFA
- Compliant with contractual obligations
- Hold valid identity documentation
Match Rules
Match Duration
| Period | Duration |
|---|---|
| First Half | 45 minutes |
| Half-time Interval | Maximum 15 minutes |
| Second Half | 45 minutes |
| Added Time | At referee's discretion (not subject to protest or appeal) |
Matchday Countdown Protocol
| Time Before Kick-off | Activity |
|---|---|
| -4H00 | Arrival of MC, MSC, Security, Cameramen, VMO |
| -3H30 | Security checks and deployment completed |
| -3H00 | Gates open |
| -1H45 | Arrival of referees |
| -1H40 | Arrival of Team A |
| -1H30 | Arrival of Team B |
| -1H20 | Latest submission of start list on CMS |
| -1H15 | Players and equipment check |
| -50min | Start of warm-up |
| -30min | Announcement of team line-ups |
| -20min | End of warm-up |
| -18min | Final inspection of pitch |
| -15min | Ball kids line up in tunnel |
| -13min | Three minutes' warning to leave dressing room |
| -12min | Substitutes and officials leave dressing room |
| -10min | Players leave dressing room and line up in tunnel |
| -8min | Final check on players' equipment |
| -5min | Teams and referees enter pitch |
| -3min | Handshakes, team photo, coin toss |
| 00:00 | Kick-off |
Fine for breach of countdown timelines: Minimum GHS 5,000
Team Sheet Requirements
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Officials | 7 named officials |
| Starting Players | 11 players |
| Substitutes | 9 reserve players (5 may be used as substitutes) |
| U19 Players | 4 on team sheet, 2 must play |
Substitutions
Teams may make up to 5 substitutions from the 9 named reserve players, in accordance with FIFA's Laws of the Game and GFA-approved modifications.
Match Officials
Each GPL match is officiated by:
- 1 Referee
- 2 Assistant Referees
- 1 Fourth Official
- 1 Match Commissioner
- 1 Referee Assessor (optional)
All officials are appointed by the GFA and must hold valid GFA/CAF licenses. No person under disciplinary action may officiate.
Match Coordination Meeting
| Situation | Fine |
|---|---|
| Late arrival | GHS 3,000 |
| Failure to attend | GHS 5,000 |
| Failure to present registered strip | GHS 5,000 |
Failure to Appear for Match
| Situation | Sanction |
|---|---|
| One team fails to appear after 30 minutes | Referee declares match ended |
| Both teams fail to appear | Neither earns points; both lose 3 points and 3 goals; fine of at least GHS 50,000 each |
Strip Regulations
Requirements
| Element | Specification |
|---|---|
| Registration | Official, reserve, and third strips must be registered before season |
| Back Number Height | 25-35 centimeters |
| Front Number (Shorts) | 10-15 centimeters |
| Number Range | 1-40 |
| Goalkeeper Numbers | 1 and 16 reserved exclusively |
| Player Name | Displayed on back above number |
| Sponsor Logo | Title sponsor logo on designated sleeve portion |
| Spare Strips | 2 unnumbered official and reserve strips for emergencies |
Fines for Strip Violations
| Violation | Fine |
|---|---|
| Non-compliance with strip regulations | GHS 5,000 |
| Failure to comply with name/number specifications | GHS 10,000 |
| Delaying kick-off due to strip clash | Up to GHS 20,000 |
Disciplinary Procedures
Yellow Card Accumulation
| Yellow Cards | Sanction | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| 1st caution | Written notification | GHS 200 |
| 2nd caution | Written notification | GHS 200 |
| 3rd caution | 1-match suspension | GHS 200 |
| Subsequent accumulations | Additional suspensions | GHS 200 per caution |
Note: Yellow cards accumulated in the Premier League do not carry over to FA Cup matches, and vice versa.
Red Card Offenses
| Offense | Suspension | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Two yellow cards in one match | 1 match (next league match) | GHS 500 |
| Direct red card (insulting players/spectators/officials, serious foul play, repeated complaints, repeated unsporting conduct) | 2 consecutive matches | GHS 500 |
| Violence against player or spectator | 4 consecutive matches; rest of season for repetition | GHS 1,000; GHS 5,000 for repetition |
| Violence against match official | 12 months; lifetime ban for repetition | — |
Note: Spitting at a referee is regarded as assault.
Other Disciplinary Fines
| Offense | Fine |
|---|---|
| Interfering with match progress | As determined by Disciplinary Committee |
| Preventing video coverage | Minimum GHS 20,000 |
| Sprinkling substances on field/dressing room | Minimum GHS 10,000 |
| Throwing objects onto field | Minimum GHS 10,000 |
| Abusive language against match officials | Minimum GHS 10,000 or expulsion |
| Public disparagement/discrimination | Minimum 5-match suspension + stadium ban + minimum GHS 5,000 |
| Forgery of documents | Minimum 6-match suspension; 12-month ban for officials + minimum GHS 5,000 |
| Bribery/match-fixing | Minimum GHS 10,000 + minimum 1-year ban + stadium ban |
| Distorting match results | Minimum 10-match suspension + minimum GHS 10,000 |
Disciplinary Bodies
| Committee | Chairman | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Disciplinary Committee | Osei Kwadwo Adow (Esq.) | First instance decisions on violations |
| Appeals Committee | Agbesi Kwadwo Dzakpasu (Esq.) | Reviews appeals against Disciplinary Committee decisions |
| Ethics Committee | — | Handles ethical violations and integrity matters |
| Match Review Panel | — | Reviews match-related matters (decisions not subject to appeal) |
Forfeiture of Matches
Offenses Resulting in Forfeiture
| Offense | Points/Goals Awarded to Opponent |
|---|---|
| Walking off field or refusing to continue | 3 points, 3 goals (unless opponent leads by more) |
| Actions causing match to end abruptly | 3 points, 3 goals (unless opponent leads by more) |
| Lateness rendering match impossible | 3 points, 3 goals (unless opponent leads by more) |
| Fielding more than 5 loaned players | 3 points, 3 goals (unless opponent leads by more) |
| Fielding unqualified/unregistered players or officials | 3 points, 3 goals (unless opponent leads by more) |
| Failing to honor match without just cause | 3 points, 3 goals |
| Playing in unregistered strip | 3 points, 3 goals + GHS 10,000 fine |
| Playing fixed match or match of convenience | Match declared null and void; 3 points deducted |
Additional Sanctions for Forfeiture
- Loss of 3 points from accumulated points
- Fine of GHS 10,000 (50% to opposing club)
- Transportation expenses paid to opposing club (if home team defaults)
Protests and Appeals
Protest Procedure
| Step | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Filing Deadline | Within 1 day of match end (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays) |
| Protest Fee | GHS 5,000 |
| Format | Written protest form with grounds, statement of case, documentary evidence |
| Defense Deadline | Within 1 day of notification |
Appeals Procedure
| Step | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Filing Deadline | Within 1 day of notification of decision |
| Appeal Fee | GHS 20,000 (50% refunded if successful) |
| Stay of Execution Fee | GHS 2,000 (initial); GHS 5,000 (repeat application) |
| Final Appeal | Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), Lausanne |
Key Principles
- Appeals do not have suspensive effect except for monetary orders
- Decisions of Appeals Committee are final (may review own decisions suo motu)
- Frivolous protests/appeals may result in dismissal and fines
- Communication via official club email constitutes valid service
Club Licensing
Purpose
Club Licensing ensures all participating clubs meet minimum standards for legal and administrative organization, financial stability, sporting infrastructure, and personnel qualifications.
Licensing Criteria
Clubs must satisfy requirements in five key areas:
1. Legal Requirements
- Registration with Ghana's Registrar General's Department
- Company limited by guarantee or shares
- Valid club constitution
2. Administrative Requirements
- Designated Club Manager with fixed office address
- Employed Treasurer for bookkeeping
- Retained Auditor for financial statements
- Accra Representative as primary GFA liaison
3. Sporting Requirements
- Head Coach with minimum CAF License B
- Licensed assistant coaches
- Youth development programs
- Academy reporting obligations for minors
4. Infrastructure Requirements
- Approved match venue meeting GFA stadium standards
- Training facilities
- Medical facilities at stadium
5. Financial Requirements
- Audited accounts for preceding year (submitted before season start)
- Evidence of financial stability
- Compliance with player payment obligations
- Failure to submit audited accounts results in match forfeiture + GHS 10,000 fine
Stadium Requirements
Inspection Criteria
Stadiums are inspected annually based on:
- Playing Surface — Pitch dimensions, grass quality, drainage
- Safety Facilities — Perimeter fencing, safe zones, entry/exit points
- Spectator Areas — Seating capacity, external walling, accessibility
- Player Facilities — Dressing rooms, medical rooms, warm-up areas
- Officials' Facilities — Referee rooms, match commissioner area
- Media Facilities — Press box, TV camera positions, interview areas
- Security — Control room, CCTV, crowd management infrastructure
Approval Categories
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Fully Approved | Meets all standards; can host matches |
| Conditionally Approved | Minor issues to address; can host with guarantees |
| Unapproved | Significant deficiencies; cannot host until resolved |
Venue Regulations
- Venues must be approved under GFA Club Licensing system
- GFA may close venues where safety cannot be guaranteed
- GFA determines alternative venue when club cannot play at home
Postponement of Matches
Grounds for Postponement
- Force majeure
- Other sufficient cause approved by GFA
Rescheduling Rules
| Situation | Rescheduling |
|---|---|
| Bad weather or other cause | Within 24 hours of scheduled date |
| Club in international match outside Ghana | Within 72 hours (not earlier than 24 hours) after return |
| 3+ players called to National Team "A" | May request postponement |
| 5+ players called to any National Teams combination | May request postponement |
Abandoned Match Rules (Force Majeure After Kick-off)
- Match recommences at minute of interruption (not replayed in full)
- Same score line maintained
- Same players on pitch and substitutes available
- No additional substitutes may be added
- Only remaining entitled substitutions may be made
- Players sent off cannot be replaced
- Pre-abandonment sanctions remain valid
Media Obligations
Pre-Match and Post-Match Requirements
| Obligation | Deadline | Fine for Non-Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-match briefing (Head Coach + 1 player) | 48 hours before match | GHS 5,000 per absentee |
| Post-match press conference (Head Coach + 1 player) | Immediately after match | GHS 5,000 per absentee; GHS 20,000 for repeat |
| Minimum 5 action photographs | Within 6 hours of match | GHS 5,000 |
| 3-5 minute highlight video | Within 48 hours of match | GHS 5,000 |
| Head Coach pitchside interview | Before match start | GHS 5,000 |
| Assistant Coach flash interview | Half-time interval | GHS 5,000 |
Commercial and Media Rights
All ownership, commercial, and media rights are vested exclusively in the GFA, including:
- Television Rights — Live, delayed, recorded, or highlighted broadcasts
- Radio Rights — Live or delayed audio broadcasts
- Footage Rights — Clip licensing, videos, CD-ROM, internet media
- Marketing Rights — Sponsorship, supplier rights, licenses, perimeter branding
- Access Rights — Entry to grounds for authorized filming
Penalties:
- Preventing authorized Marketing Agent, sponsor, or broadcast partner access: Minimum 10-point deduction + financial sanctions
- Preventing video coverage: Minimum GHS 20,000 fine
Financial Regulations
Prize Money Structure
Beginning with the 2025/26 season, the GPL introduced a merit-based prize structure where every club receives financial rewards based on final league position.
Club Payments
Under the GFA-Adesa Productions partnership:
- Each club receives GHS 1,000,000 investment for 2025/26
- Funds allocated for operations, infrastructure, and player welfare
- Stadium upgrades supported through partnership funds
Payment of Fines and Costs
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment deadline | Within 10 days of notification (excluding weekends and holidays) |
| Accepted payment methods | Cash, Banker's Draft, GFA MoMo Account, or GFA-prescribed medium |
| Failure to pay | Referral to Disciplinary Committee; subsequent match forfeitures until paid |
Integrity & Fair Play
Prohibited Conduct
The following are strictly prohibited:
- Match manipulation or fixing
- Betting on GPL matches by players, officials, or club staff
- Bribery or corruption
- Providing false information to the GFA
- Unauthorized contact with match officials
- Maintaining relations with non-recognized entities or suspended/expelled members
Reporting Mechanisms
Integrity concerns can be reported to:
- GFA Integrity Department
- GFA Prosecutor
- Match Commissioners
Integrity Declaration
All participants must sign the Integrity Declaration Form, including players, club officials, GFA officials, match officials, and ball boys.
Anti-Doping
The GPL operates under FIFA and WADA anti-doping regulations:
- Testing may occur before, during recess, or after matches
- First positive test: Minimum 1-year ban
- Second positive test: Lifetime ban
Betting Regulations
| Violation | Sanction |
|---|---|
| Any betting involvement by participants | Minimum 1-year ban + minimum GHS 10,000 fine |
| Unauthorized use of fixtures/results for betting | Prohibited without GFA authorization |
Contracts
Standard Player Contract Requirements
All professional contracts must use the GFA Standard Player Contract and include:
- Parties
- Start date
- Expiration date (must coincide with transfer windows in June or January)
- Duration
- Financial commitments
- Obligations of parties
- Settlement of disputes (forum: GFA)
- Payment terms
- Name of Intermediary (if any)
- Clause requiring compliance with FIFA, CAF, and GFA Regulations
- Termination provisions
Contract Duration
| Category | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Professional (18+) | From effective date until end of season | 5 years |
| Professional (Under 18) | From effective date until end of season | 3 years |
| Amateur | 1 football season | 1 football season |
Key Contract Rules
- Contracts cannot be unilaterally terminated during the season
- Copies must be deposited with GFA (signed in triplicate: club, player, GFA)
- Contract validity is definite (not subject to medical examination or work permit conditions)
- No third-party influence clauses permitted
- Fine for non-compliance: Minimum GHS 20,000 per player or official
Key Documents
The following regulatory documents govern GPL operations:
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| GFA Statutes 2019 | Constitutional framework for Ghanaian football |
| Ghana Premier League Regulations 2025 | Competition-specific rules (effective July 1, 2025) |
| GFA Disciplinary Code | Sanctions and enforcement procedures |
| Club Licensing Regulations | Participation standards |
| GFA Media and Marketing Regulations | Commercial and media rights |
| GFA Registered Academies Licensing Regulations 2025 | Youth development standards |
| FIFA Stadium Safety and Security Regulations | International stadium standards |
| Regulations for Status and Domestic Transfer of Players | Transfer and registration rules |
| FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players | International transfer standards |
Full regulatory documents are available on the GFA website.
Regulatory Bodies
GFA Committees with GPL Oversight
| Committee | Chairman | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Leagues Committee | Dr. Tony Aubynn | League operations and policy |
| Disciplinary Committee | Osei Kwadwo Adow (Esq.) | Rule enforcement |
| Appeals Committee | Agbesi Kwadwo Dzakpasu (Esq.) | Appeal decisions |
| Club Licensing Committee | Kwame Baah Nuakoh | Licensing standards |
| Referees Committee | Salifu Zida | Match officiating |
| Players' Status Committee | — | Player registration, free agent status, contract disputes |
| Ethics Committee | — | Ethical violations and integrity matters |
| Dispute Resolution Committee | — | Contract and transfer disputes |
Compliance
Club Responsibilities
All GPL clubs must:
- Maintain valid club license
- Comply with all GFA regulations
- Submit required documentation by deadlines
- Ensure stadium meets safety standards
- Pay players and staff on time
- Cooperate with GFA investigations
- Register all shareholders, directors, management, and staff before each season
- Notify GFA of personnel changes within 3 days
- Maintain functional office and inform GFA of contact details
- Comply with GFA Media and Marketing Regulations
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Violations may result in:
- Fines
- Points deductions (negative points possible)
- Transfer bans
- Registration bans
- Stadium bans
- Match forfeitures
- Relegation
- Expulsion from competition
- Bans on officials from football-related activities
Contact
For regulatory inquiries:
Ghana Football Association
GFA Secretariat
Accra, Ghana
Website: ghanafa.org
Regulations: ghanafa.org/statutes-regulations