GFA charge Hearts of Oak assistant Gazale Abdulai over alleged slap on ball boy in Tarkwa

The Ghana Football Association has charged Hearts of Oak assistant coach Gazale Abdulai following an incident during their Ghana Premier League match against Medeama SC on Sunday at the TnA Stadium in Tarkwa.

In a statement issued as part of its regulatory update for the 2025/2026 season, the GFA confirmed that Gazale has been charged with breaching Article 12(1)(h) of the GFA Disciplinary Code, 2019. The charge relates to an alleged assault on a ball retriever during the league fixture.

Footage of the incident, which has since circulated widely on social media, shows the Hearts of Oak assistant coach chasing a ball boy.

According to accounts after the match, the ball boy admitted to kicking the ball away as Gazale attempted to collect it and pass it to a player. The ball boy further stated that he was slapped by the assistant coach, but also struck Gazale in response, which led to the chase captured on video.

The referee took disciplinary action by sending off Gazale Abdulai during the match.

On the pitch, Hearts of Oak suffered a 1-0 defeat to Medeama SC. The Mauves remained top of the league table, while the Phobians dropped to fifth place.

Gazale has until Thursday, January 8, 2026, to respond formally to the charge before the Disciplinary Committee proceeds with the case.