The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has fined Emmanuel Annor, a player for Nations FC, GHS 500 for misconduct during a Ghana Premier League match against Asante Kotoko.
The disciplinary action follows Annor’s goal celebration in which he removed his jersey to reveal an undergarment with a religious message that read: “I belong to Jesus.”
In a statement released on May 13, 2025, the GFA’s Disciplinary Committee found the player guilty of breaching league regulations which prohibit the display of religious or political messages during matches.
The GFA emphasized that such acts are considered violations of player conduct rules and disrupt the neutrality expected on the field.
“He has also been strongly warned that any further misconduct will result in severe sanctions,” the statement added.
While the financial penalty is relatively minimal, the GFA’s warning suggests that future infractions could result in suspensions or harsher disciplinary actions.
The incident has sparked debate among fans and football commentators. Supporters of Annor argue that players should be free to express their faith, while others side with the GFA, insisting that football should remain a neutral and inclusive space, free from overt religious or political expressions.
