Eric Akoto wins damages over narcotic claims

Austrian biggest newspaper Kronen Zeitung has agreed to pay "substantial" undisclosed damages to Ghana-born ex-Togo defender Eric Akoto after making false publications against him over drugs two years ago, GHANAsoccernet.com can exclusively reveal.

The newspaper has also apologised to the former Togolese star after a ruling by an Austrian High Court in Vienna, GHANAsoccernet.com can confirm.

Akoto launched libel proceedings against Kronen Zeitung after it had claimed he was engaged in narcotic dealings.

The 36-year-old was mistakenly arrested in 2014 alongside other Africans after a police swoop but was immediately released after it had emerged he was innocent of the crime.

It was a clear case of finding himself at the wrong place during the Police raid, but the newspaper went ahead to publish the damning story despite being ceased with the fact.

The former defender, who is currently a coach, is now a happy man after his name was cleared in the bizarre episode.

The former Austria Bundesliga player started his football career in Ghana where he played for Liberty Professionals before eventually moving to Austria in 1998.

He switched nationality to play for Togo at the international level where he was part of the Hawks squad at the 2006 World Cup.

The former Austria Wien man was also part of the Togo team that infamously came under gun attack a day before the start of the 2010 Nations Cup in Angola.