Kotoko pulls out Of SWAG Cup Match

Accra, June 22, GNA - Kumasi Asante Kotoko have pulled out of the 2011 Sports Writers Association of Ghana's (SWAG) annual Cup Match slated for the Ohe= ne Djan Stadium, Accra on Sunday, June 26.

The Porcupine Warriors who were scheduled to play Berekum Chelsea pulled out because the Association was unable to meet their demand for 20,000GHC as appearance fee.

A statement issued and signed by William D. Ezah, General Secretary of SWAG, said the Association has been forced to call off the game temporarily due to the "outrageous demands made by Kotoko which is way beyond our financial means."

"It will be economically unwise to pay such an amount to Kotoko in the face of the low attendance of soccer fans at the stadium in recent times, with the recent turn out during the second place play-off between Kotoko and Medeama in Accra as a case in point.

"Paying such an amount as appearance fee to one club will defeat the purpose of organizing the match since it is a fund-raising exercise aimed at supporting the annual Awards Night, which honours distinguished sports men and women in the country.

"In the face of the low attendance at matches lately, it will not be economically prudent to make such an investment when the Association cannot be sure of recouping the investment at the end of the day."

The statement said even though the Association was keen on organizing the match,

Kotoko stayed entrenched in their demands, leaving SWAG with no option than to call off the match.

SWAG assured that the Association would organize the 2011 Edition of the SIC/SWAG Match before the close of year. It further apologized to soccer fans that were looking forward to the match.