Dreams FC, a Ghana Premier League club, has responded strongly to Accra Lions’ public call for reforms in Ghanaian football, accusing the Lions of hypocrisy.
On Monday, January 6, Accra Lions issued a statement on their social media platforms, describing the state of Ghanaian football as being at a crossroads. They called for urgent reforms to enhance professionalism, transparency, and sportsmanship.
Their concerns also highlighted the league’s lack of sponsorship and a television rights deal, which they argued were undermining its credibility.
This statement followed Lions’ 1-0 defeat to Dreams FC on Matchday 16.
In a detailed rebuttal, Dreams FC questioned the motives behind Lions’ reform demands, accusing the club of benefitting from refereeing decisions in the past.
“While we agree on the importance of integrity, professionalism, and fair play, it is essential to uphold these values without hypocrisy or double standards,” Dreams FC stated. They pointed out that Accra Lions had finished as runners-up last season but did not then criticize the league or its officiating.
Dreams FC emphasized that officiating errors are part of football globally, even in leagues employing advanced technology. The club encouraged stakeholders with evidence of officiating misconduct to use formal channels for redress and urged continued investment in referee training to minimize errors.
“It is strange that Accra Lions failed to acknowledge the benefits of refereeing decisions in their favor during previous matches, such as their encounter with Hearts of Oak,” Dreams FC stated.
The statement further alleged that Accra Lions’ public outcry was calculated to tarnish Dreams FC’s reputation due to the club’s association with the Ghana Football Association president.
Dreams FC also highlighted their contribution to Ghana’s global recognition, particularly their CAF Confederation Cup semifinal appearance, suggesting that Lions’ actions undermined these efforts.
“The match against Lions was competitive and played in a spirit of sportsmanship. However, their post-match commentary and accusations seem aimed at discrediting us for personal, self-serving reasons,” the statement continued.
Dreams FC says it rejects any attempts to use their club as a tool for advancing ulterior motives and called on stakeholders to focus on building confidence in the league for collective growth.
Notably, Dreams FC’s win against Lions came after a four-match winless streak, leaving the club in 17th place on the league table after 16 games.
