Referee Hanson Sues Young Apostles Boss Anim Addo for Defamation

Jan 11, 2025 - 18:24

Jan 11, 2025 - 18:28

Referee Hanson Sues Young Apostles Boss Anim Addo for Defamation

Samuel Anim Addo is the President of Young Apostles Football Club.

Accra, Ghana - 11, Jan, 2025 - Renowned referee Maxwell Hanson is taking legal action against Samuel Annim Addo, President of Young Apostles Football Club, over allegations of defamation.

According to reports, Hanson has been accused by Addo of being used by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to influence the outcome of football matches. Hanson, who has officiated in several high-profile matches in Ghana, has taken umbrage with the allegations and is seeking redress in court.

The accusations against Hanson are believed to have been made in a radio interview, where Addo allegedly claimed that the referee was compromised and had been used by the GFA to sway matches in favor of certain teams.

Hanson's decision to sue Addo for defamation has sparked a heated debate in Ghana's football community, with some calling for greater accountability and transparency in the sport.

This development comes at a time when Ghanaian football is reeling from a series of scandals and controversies, including allegations of match-fixing and corruption.

Background

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) brought misconduct charges against Sammy Anim Addo, CEO of Young Apostles, following his inflammatory social media comments criticizing refereeing standards in the Ghana Premier League.

Anim Addo, a former GFA Executive Council member, sparked controversy by labeling referee Maxwell Hanson as the GFA's “man for dirty works”. This outburst came after Accra Lions expressed dissatisfaction with Hanson's performance in their 1-0 defeat to Dreams FC.

Furthermore, Anim Addo alleged that the GFA had intimidated him, threatening to relegate Young Apostles, after he voiced concerns about subpar officiating in the league.

Below is the suit by Referee Maxwell Hanson.