‘Why Can Players Celebrate LGBTQ+ But Not Jesus?’ —Annor Questions GFA

Nations FC winger Emmanuel Annor has spoken out after being fined by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for celebrating a goal with an “I belong to Jesus” message.

Annor took to his official X page (formerly Twitter) on May 13, 2025 to question the decision and the rules around goal celebrations.

“Why can football players celebrate LGBTQ+ sexuality but not their love for Jesus?” he asked.

He also shared a Bible verse to explain his actions: “Romans 14:8 – If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. ✟ It’s the kingdom work on the pitch!”

Annor was fined GHC500 and warned by the GFA after displaying the religious message during a match between Nations FC and Asante Kotoko.

This fine followed an earlier yellow card he received on the field for the same celebration. Many have criticized the GFA’s decision, saying it is unfair to punish him twice for one act.

In a statement released on May 13, 2025, the GFA’s Disciplinary Committee found the player guilty of breaching league regulations which prohibit the display of religious or political messages during matches.

The GFA explained that their ruling follows Law 4 of the International Football Association Board’s (IFAB) Laws of the Game.

This law says players cannot show political, religious, or personal slogans, images, or statements on their equipment or clothing during matches. Players who break this rule can be punished by their football association or FIFA.

The incident has caused a heated debate among football fans and officials. Some believe Annor was not aware of the rule, while others think the law is too strict. Many people are calling for a review of the rule, saying players should be allowed to express their religious or personal beliefs freely on the field.

Nations FC winger Emmanuel Annor has spoken out after being fined by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for celebrating a goal with an “I belong to Jesus” message.

Annor took to his official X page (formerly Twitter) on May 13, 2025 to question the decision and the rules around goal celebrations.

“Why can football players celebrate LGBTQ+ sexuality but not their love for Jesus?” he asked.

He also shared a Bible verse to explain his actions: “Romans 14:8 – If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. ✟ It’s the kingdom work on the pitch!”

Annor was fined GHC500 and warned by the GFA after displaying the religious message during a match between Nations FC and Asante Kotoko.

This fine followed an earlier yellow card he received on the field for the same celebration. Many have criticized the GFA’s decision, saying it is unfair to punish him twice for one act.

In a statement released on May 13, 2025, the GFA’s Disciplinary Committee found the player guilty of breaching league regulations which prohibit the display of religious or political messages during matches.

The GFA explained that their ruling follows Law 4 of the International Football Association Board’s (IFAB) Laws of the Game.

This law says players cannot show political, religious, or personal slogans, images, or statements on their equipment or clothing during matches. Players who break this rule can be punished by their football association or FIFA.

The incident has caused a heated debate among football fans and officials. Some believe Annor was not aware of the rule, while others think the law is too strict. Many people are calling for a review of the rule, saying players should be allowed to express their religious or personal beliefs freely on the field.