The Ministry of Youth and Sports has ordered the organizers of the MTN FA Cup to maintain the traditional 1500 GMT kickoff time for the grand finale of the 2017 edition.
The hugely promoted grand finale between arch-rivals Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak has been scheduled to be played in the late afternoon of Sunday, October 29 at the Tamale Sports Stadium.
But the 1700GMT kickoff officially set by the FA Cup Committee has not gone down well in certain circles especially due to a directive by the Okudzeto Commission (May 9th Disaster) which prohibits the two rival clubs playing into the night.
Citing security reasons, a letter signed by Deputy Sports Minister Pius Enam Hadzide has asked the organizers of the FA Cup final to review the time and stick with 1500GMT.
“As a matter of concern, the Ministry wishes to direct that the match be played between the hours of 3pm and 5pm.
“This has become necessary after considering all the safety precautions and taking into account, the long distance to be travelled by fans and supporters of the two (2) clubs from Accra, Kumasi and other parts of the country,” read parts of the letter dated October 25.
This new directive, when followed, will alter the program of the FA Cup Committee for the game which would have seen popular artist Fancy Gadam and other top musicians performing on the day before kickoff.
A curtain raiser between Northern Ladies and Lepo Ladies is also likely to be affected.
Below is the letter from the MOYS:
