Disappointments galore, as Kotoko withdraw from Top4

Some members of the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) have expressed their disappointment over the withdrawal of Kumasi Asante Kotoko from the much-publicized Coca Cola Top 4 competition billed to commence on Sunday, January 11, at the Kumasi and Accra Sports Stadia.

When the GNA Sports visited the association's secretariat on Monday, Mr Kudjo Fianoo, Administrative Manager of GHALCA was of the view that, though Kokoko's withdrawal was a stab in the back, the competition will not be affected in any way.

He said the association was doing everything possible to maintain its focus and expressed the conviction that the month-long fiesta will lack nothing in excitement and class.

"It's a truism that naturally one will be a bit disorganized and under pressure in cases like this, but life must go on and nothing will change," he stressed.

Mr Fianoo said Berekum Arsenals will take the place of Kotoko and will share the Kumasi Sports Stadium with King Faisal as home venues while Hearts of Oak and Liberty Professionals will use the nation's "Wembely", Accra Sports Stadium.

He told the GNA that the association will as a matter of urgency review its existing rules and regulations, where GHALCA will make provisions for sanctions to be carried out against offending clubs that violate the rules.

The Administrative Manager explained that the reviewed rules would target offending clubs instead of individuals, as it currently pertains. On his part Mr. Joseph Yaw Appiah, Chairman of the association said everything was set for the big showdown regardless of the last-minute hitch.

Describing Kotoko's action as a clear sabotage, the chairman who looked peeved said the competition will go on with or without Kotoko and was optimistic of having a classic tournament.

He said Arsenal have been presented with the 120 million cedis appearance fee by GHALCA to help the club prepare for the competition. Mr. Kofi Manu, Accra representative of the Berekum club, described the argument made on the Kotoko withdrawal as baseless and uncalled for. The outspoken man wondered why some clubs want to be given special treatment stating that this does not augur well for Ghana football. In a related development, soccer fans have expressed their dismay about Kotoko's demands describing it as unreasonable and unfair to GHALCA and the competition.

Meanwhile, GNA have gathered that Coca Cola are expecting delivery of branded jerseys from France on Friday for the competition. All the four clubs are expected to wear two sets each for the competition.