Arsenals to replace Kotoko for Top 4

Berekum Arsenals are expected to replace Kumasi Asante Kotoko in the much publicized Coca Cola Top 4 competition billed between January 11 and February 15 in case Kotoko persist with their demand.

Information gathered by the GNA Sports indicates that Kotoko who are yet to confirm their participation in the lucrative tourney will possibly lose their slot to Arsenals who have been asked by the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) to prepare as a stand by team. Mr Koudjo Fianoo, Administrative Manager of GHALCA told the GNA Sports on Wednesday that plans are far advanced for the Berekum team who placed fifth behind Dansoman based Liberty Professionals in the Kinapharmah Premier League to replace the defending champions who have refused to corporate with the association for the big show down He said Arsenals is expected to receive their share of the 120 million cedis given to all the four clubs for preparation, as the Osei Krom lads have refused to take their part of the money agreed upon by representatives of the participants.

"We will have no option but to hand over Kotoko's share to Arsenals by the close of Friday, January 2, if we are unable to receive any confirmation from the Garden City lads" he said.

The administrative manager said Kotoko have refused to communicate their intensions and continued with their prolonged response to the GHALCA irrespective of the associations' effort to get them on board. He disclosed that Kotoko, as the defending champions still demanded an official invitation from GHALCA requesting the inclusion of financial entitlements before announcing their participation. He expressed concern about Kotoko's incapability to come clear on the issue with only 11 days for the commencement of the competition adding "I frankly believe we should all be men enough to voice out our feelings rather than wasting any body's time".

The former welfare officer of the Black Stars said everything is on course for the big do and was convinced that the competition which is in its third year will give the four teams the necessary test to prepare them for the continental assignments as well as the local league.

Meanwhile the GNA Sports has gathered that the league champions with the power of the airwaves has threatened to pull out of the month-long fiesta if GHALCA refuse to meet certain specific demands they made and are also proposing a top up in their ticket rates.

The IMC of Kotoko, according to our sources are undecided about their position and are currently bent on remaining tight-lipped about their participation until the organizers meet their 400 million cedis demand, which have been criticized from numerous quarters.