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Sports News of Tuesday, 19 July 2011

Source: Kickoffghana

Kotoko move to ease GHALCA tensions

Kumasi Asante Kotoko executive board chairman Dr K.K Sarpong has moved to ease tensions between the club and the Ghana League Clubs Association.

Sarpong who was away when Kotoko players and officials refused to attend the medal presentation ceremony after their President Cup defeat at the hands of Berekum Chelsea on July 1st in protest at what they considered poor refereeing decisions.

Kotoko has been handed a one year ban from all GHALCA activities and fined a hefty GHC 10,000.

Kotoko's initial response to GHALCA was confrontation. It called the decision rash and say they will withdraw their financial contribution to the body. The club's supporter’s wing have also issued a statement accusing GHALCA f dabbling in politics.

But Sarpong has ordered a ceasefire ahead of a meeting with GHALCA executives later on Monday.

"We should have patience to deal with the matter," he told ASEMPA FM. "I cannot make judgement until I have spoken to GHALCA. I will meet GHALCA and try to solve it.

Sarpong is also adamant Kotoko won't look to split away from GHALCA as has been demanded by some of their fans.

"It's a voluntary association but it's important. We don't live in a vacuum; you need others so we must address these problems. There are clubs, there people around us. Some may be good, some may be bad. I won’t go and sell out Kotoko but we don't need this at this time."