Ghanaian match official, Patrick Papala has announced his retirement from refereeing with immediate effect.
Papala, who was handed a one-year ban from officiating any football by Ghana in July 2023, took to his official X (formerly twitter) account to announce his retirement at age 39.
Before the end of the 2022/23 Ghana Premier League season, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) imposed a one-year ban on the Wenchi-based referee for flagging offside a legitimate goal that was scored by Hearts of Oak in a match against Real Tamale United (RTU).
I've officially brought the service to an end today. I am grateful to the @ghanafaofficial, @FIFAcom, and @CAF_Online for the opportunity they gave me. @Muftawu_Nabila @PapaPoku @3kosiisen @obbampoegh @SaddickAdams @EffahOwusuJose1 @ShabanMo9 @SheikhTophic @SannieDaara pic.twitter.com/FpkLFMgY67
— Patrick PAPALA (@PapalaPatrick1) December 21, 2023
Proud to have retired same time with a great man. Accept everything about yourself - I mean everything, You are you, and that is the beginning and the end - no apologies, no regrets. _*#UnlessTheyKillGod*_ @ghanafaofficial @GhanaLeague @3kosiisen @kofiamoaabban pic.twitter.com/KD9T6z5YVV
— Patrick PAPALA (@PapalaPatrick1) December 21, 2023
His FIFA badge was stripped off by the football governing body ahead of the 2023/24 season. However, he has decided to retire from his role as referee before the end of his ban.
The 39-year-old made his continental debut in the CAF inter-club competitions during the 2019/20 season and handled Champions League and Confederation Cup matches.
Papala was also selected by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as assistant referee for Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
