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Caf Interclubs finals postponed

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Caf Interclubs finals postponed

Following the decision to postpone of the semi-finals of the CAF Interclubs competitions due to evolving nature of COVID-19, CAF today announces that the finals of the Total CAF Confederation Cup and Total CAF Champions League 2019/20 has been put on hold until further notice.

The inaugural one-match final for the two competitions was originally scheduled as follows;

*Total CAF Confederation Cup – 24 May 2020 – Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Stadium – Rabat, Morocco

*Total CAF Champions League – 29 May 2020 – Japoma Stadium – Douala, Cameroon

The new schedule will be communicated in due time after consultation with the various stakeholders.

CAF is monitoring the situation closely and working with the relevant authorities including the Wealth Health Organization (WHO) on the impact of the virus on the continent, and will announce developments to our competitions at the appropriate time.

●Source: cafonline

Photo credit via Cafonline.com

Kotoko to pay FIFA fine before deadline

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Kotoko to pay FIFA fine before deadline

Asante Kotoko fans must be calm. There is no need to panic. The US$240,000 fine imposed on the club by world football governing body, FIFA, will be paid before the May 17, 2020 deadline. That is the assurance from the club’s Deputy Accra Representative, Nana Kwame Dankwah.

Kotoko have been fined by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee for the illegal transfer of Emmanuel Clottey in 2015 who was then with Tunisian side, Esperance. Kotoko thus have about a month to pay the fine or be denied the chance to register new players locally or internationally.

Growing fears

Fears have been growing that, the club may not be able to meet the FIFA deadline. However, speaking on Joy FM’s Sports Link on Saturday, Nana Kwame disclosed that, efforts were being made to pay the fine on time. “Our supporters should remain calm. There is no cause for alarm. In fact, the Chairman is just organising himself to pay the money” said Nana Kwame.

Supporters’ request  

He explained why Kotoko’s Management declined supporters’ request to organised a fundraising to help pay the fine. “The supporters front even wrote to Management for permission to organise fundraising but looking at the situation [vis-à-vis Covid-19], people are not working. So, taking money from the fans is not appropriate”.

Apportioning blame  

Many have linked the illegal transfer issue and FIFA’s fine to the absence of proper administrative structures at the club. Nana Kwame avoided the invitation to apportion blame. He argued that, there was no need for blame games. “This is something we can discuss some other time. We just don’t want to blame anybody. Let us resolve the issue.

“After that, we believe, something can be learnt out of this. Definitely, we will have someone to blame but we don’t think that will be helpful now. Let us resolve the issue with FIFA. We are not in a position to put the blame anyone. Let us resolve the matter. When it is resolved, we can look forward to stopping some of these things”.

Player pay cuts

With football being suspended because of Covid-19 and the attendant lockdown, there have been suggestions that player salaries should be reduced. Nana Kwame shed light on the situation at Kotoko regarding player pay cuts. “As we speak, because of the [Covid-19] situation, the team is on break. The technical team and the medical team gave a programme to the players. I believe they are following it.

“Apart from that, there is this issue of pay cuts. Management has spoken with the Head Coach. He is to discuss it with the playing body and revert to us. At the moment, that is what we are confronted with. We are not imposing it on the players. We need to discuss it with them so that there will be [amicable] agreement. We are waiting to hear from them” said Nana Kwame.

By. Jerome Otchere

Clottey transfer: Asante Kotoko NCC commend Dr. Kwame Kyei

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Clottey transfer: Asante Kotoko NCC commend Dr. Kwame Kyei

Asante Kotoko National Circles Council (NCC) Public Relations Officer, Osei Owusu has commended Executive Chairman of the club Dr. Kwame Kyei for deciding to pay in full the amount involved in Emmanuel Clottey transfer saga.

The Porcupine Warriors have been ordered to pay $240,000 by Fifa for wrongfully signing Clottey in 2015 despite the player having a running contract with Esperance.

The NCC announced plans to help management to solve the financial constraints, but Dr. Kyei has informed the supporters that he is in a good position to foot the bill in full.

“Our intention was to help pay the $240,000 fine to avoid the unwanted but if Dr Kwame Kyei has decided to foot the bill without us ,we thank God and also thank Dr Kyei for accepting to pay so we don’t incur the wrath of FIFA,” Osei Owusu told Kumasi-based Oyerepa FM.

“That’s the assurance we were expecting from him so if he has given us,we thank him and am sure it will calm nerves.”

Kotoko have up to May 17, 2020 to pay up the money else face transfer sanctions from Fifa.

COVID-19: Fecafoot to provide financial support for Cameroon clubs

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COVID-19: Fecafoot to provide financial support for Cameroon clubs

The Cameroon Football Federation [Fecafoot] have announced plans to provide financial support for domestic clubs in light of the fight against the novel COVID-19 pandemic.

The activities of football have been frozen since the widespread of the disease globally. This has made it difficult for clubs and federations to pay their workers.

Benjamin Didier Banlock – who is the Secretary General of the federation – said in a statement released on Friday that the federation is ready to assist all clubs at every Division with financial aid.

“Ladies and Gentlemen,  Presidents, The Covid-19 pandemic, which rages around the world, affects all sectors of life, in particular sports,” the statement read.

“The government of the Republic has taken health measures since March 17, 2020, to respond to the Coronavirus. In accordance with these decisions and following Fifa and Caf, Fecafoot has suspended all its competitions throughout the national territory.

“This cessation of activities, in particular professional and women’s football championships, deprives players of their main source of income and installs them in uncertainty, excitement or even precariousness prejudicial to the stability of the teams and to good recovery competitions at the end of the health crisis.

“Fecafoot, after consultation with the Transitory Technical Committee (CTT) and the Cameroon Women’s Football League (LFFC), has decided to provide special support to 25 players and supervisors from each of the Elite One teams, from the ‘Elite Two and to 20 players and supervisors of the First Division of the Women’s Football League.

“For this purpose, you will be kind enough to return to us within 24 hours the list of managers and players selected by your club according to the attached form.

“By inviting you to continue to observe the barrier gestures, we count on your kind collaboration.”

Cameroon have recorded 996 cases since their first case in March with 22 deaths, as of Saturday.

Photo credit via SportsliveHq

Ghanaian trio named in Top 11 Africans to have played in the Danish Superliga

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Ghanaian trio named in Top 11 Africans to have played in the Danish Superliga

Ghanaian trio Razak Pimpong, Daniel Armartey and Enoch Adu Kofi have been named among top 11 Africans who have featured in the Danish top-flight.

Their exploits in the Danish Super Liga ensured they earned slots in the selection of best eleven Africans to have played in the championship.

Former Moroccan goalkeeper Karim Zaza, who played for FC Copenhagen, was chosen as the best goalkeeper.

Razak Pimpong

Zaza will be guarded by Daniel Amartey (Ghana), Uche Okechukwu (Nigeria) and Bubacarr Sanneh Gambia), who featured for FC Copenhagen, Brøndby IF and AC Horsens respectively.

Top 11 Africans to have played in the Danish Superliga

Andrew Tembo (Zambia & Odense BK), Eric Djemba Djemba (Cameroon & FC Copenhagen), Enoch Kofi Adu (Ghana & FC Copenhagen), and Razak Pimpong (Ghana & FC Copenhagen) made up the midfield.

In attack, former Egypt star Mohamed Zidan, who became a household name during his two-year stay with FC Midtjylland is named in attack alongside former Senegal hitman Dame N’Doye (FC Copenhagen) and ex-South African hero Sibusiso Zuma (FC Copenhagen).

Charles Taylor apologizes to Dr. Nyaho Tamakloe over ‘archaic football administrator ‘ comments claims

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Charles Taylor apologizes to Dr. Nyaho Tamakloe over ‘archaic football administrator ‘ comments claims

Former Hearts Of Oak talisman, Charles Taylor has issued an apology to Dr. Nyaho Tamakloe for labeling him as an archaic football administrator.

Nyaho Tamakloe, who is a board member of the Rainbow club criticized Ghanaian footballers who return to relaunch their career in the local scene after unsuccessful stints abroad.

He disclosed that the capital-based club will only give opportunities to old players who can make positive impacts.

But the former Ghana Football Association chairman comments did not go down with Charles Taylor and another former player, Daniel Quaye. The duo believe their former director’s views are out of place.

Taylor insisted that Dr. Nyaho Tamakloe should resign from his position since his old-fashioned style of administration will not make Hearts progress.

However, the management of Hearts Of Oak have backed their director’s comments, asking all former players to stop throwing defamatory attacks on him.

Taylor in an interview with Kumasi FM apologized to his former employers.

“I’m sorry if he’s offended by my description of him as being archaic but he cannot block professionals from rejoining the club.

“The pain from my move to Kotoko is something still hunting the current leaders of the club. I cannot be barred from commenting on issues at the club but I will keep mute on their issues henceforth.”

Charles Taylor was part of the Hearts Of Oak team that won treble in 2000.

Kotoko: Blame Kwame Kyei for huge financial losses – Edmund Ackah

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Kotoko: Blame Kwame Kyei for huge financial losses – Edmund Ackah

Former Asante Kotoko management member, Edmund Ackah says Executive Chairman Dr. Kwame Kyei is solely responsible for the current debts swallowing the club.

The Dr. Kwame Kyei-led administration has come under immense pressure due to the numerous judgement debts that have hit the club.

Kotoko were ordered by the Ghana Football Association to pay an amount of $ 34,000 for wrongfully dismissing coach C.K Akonnor. The Ghanaian giants again paid his successor Kjetil Zacherriasen $ 12,425 as severance package for terminating his contract.

The situation worsened when on Friday, April 10, Fifa ordered Asante Kotoko to pay Esperance of Tunisia, $240,000 following the transfer of striker Emmanuel Clottey to them. 

According to the release by Fifa, Kotoko had been ordered to pay the Tunisian club $180,000 for the transfer of the player, an additional $45,000 as interest on the figure. 

In addition, Kotoko would pay the committee that sat on the case between the two sides over the transfer of the player $15,000, bringing the total figure to $240,000.

Ackah – who resigned from his position as Accra Representative of the club last month – claims that, nobody, but Dr. Kwame Kyei should be blamed for the recent financial losses.

“If Dr [Kwame Kyei] had shown leadership, the Clottey debt wouldn’t have hit $240,000.
“In August 2019, Esperance wrote to Kotoko giving us their account details to pay them $30,000 because we owe them $180,000 and they also owe us $150,000 [from Kwame Bonsu transfer] but the Chairman said he will not pay because he didn’t sign Emmanuel Clottey,” Ackah told Oyerepa FM.

He continued: “If he had acted as a leader and listened to his management which supposedly is to run the day-to-day affairs of the club, a these recent debts wouldn’t have been incurred…

“If only he understood that football is governed by regulations… At a certain point in time, when something crops up and you refer to the regulations, he rubbishes it.

“Nobody should blame anybody for the Financial losses, he’s the problem not anybody.

“Nobody is causing financial loss to Kotoko but the Executive Chairman himself [Dr Kwame Kyei]. He single handedly contacted Zachariassen, lodged him at a hotel at East Legon before handing him over to George Amoako and Nana Kwame Dankwah.

“Even on CK Akonnor’s issue, he insulted us (management) after seeking our opinion which was contrary to his. After agreeing with CK to pay him off at GHc50,000, Dr Kwame Kyei said he will only pay GHc20,000 and now Kotoko have to pay over billion. Whose fault is it?.”

Kotoko toko have up to May 10, 2020 to pay Esperance the $ 240,000 else the record Ghana Premier League champions will face Fifa sanctions.

Photo credit via Ghanasoccernet

REVEALED: Asante Kotoko accrued $ 1,132 from the 2019 Caf Confederation Cup

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REVEALED: Asante Kotoko accrued $ 1,132 from the 2019 Caf Confederation Cup

Former Asante Kotoko Accra Representative, Edmund Ackah has revealed that the club, through the diligence of the current management team realized $ 1,132 from the 2o19 Caf Confederation Cup campaign.

The George Amoakoh-led management has been accused of ‘stealing’ monies from the gates during the Porcupine Warriors Africa campaign.

But responding to calls that the current management members of the clubs are ‘thieves’, Edmund Ackah debunked it, and stated how they helped the club accrue US $1,132 in the campaign.

“Before the George Amoakoh-led management team took over , the previous had incurred a cost of GHc 650,000 participating in the CAF Confederations Cup in the two-legged match which our CEO Mr George Amoakoh came out publicly to say in an interview, but in our tenure we realized GHc 6,000,000[US $1,132] in CAF Confederations Cup, but you hide behind your radio station to destroy us.

“You work with this team who have your interest and the club’s at heart but don’t appreciate and call us thieves.

“Everything you do is right and management is the cause of everything whereas your inefficiency is causing all these ,then people turn around to accuse us,such accusers say they are a Christian, God will never forgive those who try to destroy us for the hard work done for Kotoko.The God that we all serve will never forgive such a person.”

Photo Credit via Ghanaweb

‘Cristiano Ronaldo is my idol’ – Legon Cities forward Papadopoulos

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‘Cristiano Ronaldo is my idol’ – Legon Cities forward Papadopoulos

Legon Cities striker, Panagiotis Papadopoulos has revealed that he idolizes Juventus and Portugal talisman Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Greek-Ghanaian born said in response to who his role model in the world was during an interview with Greek portal Sports24.

The 21-year old who was born to a Greek father and a Ghanaian mother said;

“My love for the football was born because of Cristiano Ronaldo. He is my idol.

Speaking about tthe Ghana Premier League, he indicated that, he is satisfied about the standard of play in the Ghanaian top-flight because the League is made up of very good teams.

“There are very good teams and the competition is great. In Ghana and in most African countries they love football.”

Photo Credit:Sports24.gr : Panagiotis Papadopoulos

Panagiotis indicated that he is hoping to get a call-up into the Greece national team although he is yet to visit his father’s homeland.

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INTERVIEW: Panagiotis Papadopoulos: Meet the Greek winger who plays in Ghana Premier League

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INTERVIEW: Panagiotis Papadopoulos: Meet the Greek winger who plays in Ghana Premier League

He was born in Accra to a Greek father and a Ghanaian mother. He plays as a winger in Legon Cities, a Premier division team. Sport24.gr spoke with Panagiotis Papadopoulos and presents his story.

In 1980, Dimitris Papadopoulos traveled to Accra for work. There he met Jane Eminsang. They were going to marry Ganeza and start a family. Three girls and two boys. The youngest of all is Panagiotis. He was born on June 6, 1999. He doesn’t remember many things from his father, though.

He died when Panagiotis was young. He could not learn much about his roots in Greece. He did not learn Greek, he never managed to talk to relatives in our country, nor has he ever thought of it until today.

Photo credit:Sports24.gr(Dimitris Papadopoulos with his wife Jane and Panagiotis)

The 21-year-old is a footballer. He competes in the Ghana Premier League, in Legon Cities. In fact, on January 3, he scored in the home game against Asante Kotoko and became the first player in Ghana to find the net in 2020. His position in the game is extreme, mainly on the right.

“My love for the ball was born because of Cristiano Ronaldo. He is my idol,” admitted Panagiotis Papadopoulos to Sport24.gr, whom his teammates and fans call “Pano”.

One day he dreams of playing for the National Team of Greece. “I don’t have a Greek passport. But I have to take it out. We don’t have a Greek embassy in Ghana. I really want to one day wear the jersey of National Greece,” said the extreme striker of Legon Cities. He even knows the Greek teams, but he has a favorite: “I support Olympiakos. And of his players, the one I like the most is Ahmed Hassan.”

The championship in Ghana has been suspended due to the coronation. “We have 566 cases and eight deaths. There is quarantine in several parts of the country,” said the 21-year-old, adding that his team aims to be in the top five, although it is still in 15th place after 15 games. “There are very good teams and the competition is great. In Ghana they love the ball. And in most African countries,” he said.

Photo Credit: Sports24.gr

Panagiotis lives with his family. “My mother trades in clothes. My brother is a painter. One of my sisters is a doctor, the other works in a shop with electrical appliances and the third organizes events,” he said.

This is the story of Panagiotis, who was born in Accra to a Greek father and a Ghanaian mother. Who knows; Maybe one day we will see him in Greece.

Source: Sports24.gr

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