GHALCA denies Kotoko's involvement in Top4

Accra, Jan 12. GNA - The Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) has denied rumours that Kumasi Asante Kotoko would be taking part in the third edition of the Top Four Tourney dubbed " Coca Cola Top Four" scheduled to kick off on Saturday, January 17.
Kotoko who gained automatic qualification for the tourney by winning the 2003 premier league declined to take part after GHALCA refused to succumb to their demand of 400 million cedis as participation fee instead of the 120 million cedis as well as taking 50 and 40 per cent of the home and away gate proceeds respectively.
Mr Kudjo Fianoo Administrative Manager of GHALCA told the GNA Sports in an interview that "so far as I am concerned, Arsenals is taking the place of Kotoko and we have made all our programs to that effect".
He said the association is aware of the rumours and that they are treating it as such since they have not received any letter from Kotoko after the impasse expressing their interest in the tournament. According to Mr Fianoo, preparations have reached an advanced stage and any decision to involve Kotoko means the whole executive board of GHALCA would have to go back to the drawing board.
He said there would also be difficulties in convincing Berekum Arsenals who have taken over the position of Kotoko for the tournament to return the 120 million cedis whilst Hearts have also threatened to back out if Kotoko is given the opportunity to play in the tourney again.
Mr Fianoo also denied that Coca Cola Company Limited are pushing for the involvement of Kotoko in the tourney and stated that "all meetings held recently between GHALCA and the major sponsors were meant to find ways of strategizing for the tourney".
He said at the last stakeholders meeting it was agreed that the absence of Kotoko would in a way affect patronage but stated that plans are far advanced to bring some hip life artists to perform during the matches.
Mr Fianoo said this arrangement, it is hoped would help boost attendance at the stadiums as the presence of the musicians will help rope more fans to the stadium.
The Administrative Manager stated that barring any unforeseen circumstances the tournament will kick off on Saturday and Sunday as earlier on scheduled.