Hearts fans are demanding the exit of under-fire majority shareholder Togbe Afede XIV, expressing their anger towards the club’s transfer policy and lack of direction.
It appears the club will not sign any big-name player in the transfer window ahead of the start of the new season next month.
The club’s majority shareholder is under mounting pressure from the supporters, who are demanding answers for their no-show as rivals Kotoko continues to make all the significant signings.
Hearts have become a laughing stock in the West African nation as their financial struggles continue despite claiming in the past it’s the richest club in the country after floating shares three years ago.
Hearts supporters wing ‘Project Phobia’ has continually put the majority shareholder under pressure for failing to invest in the club, and though the club made some impressive signings two years ago, the jury remains out on any future deals.
The club is expected to hold its Annual General Meeting in Accra on Wednesday under tight security after GHANAsoccernet.com revealed this week unsuspecting groups are planning to disrupt the meeting.
Vice-chairman of ‘Project Phobia’ Maxwell Asabre is asking the Togbe Afede to relinquish his shares in the club to put it on a path of restoration.
‘Togbe must go. He does not understand football and cannot lead this club,’ he told Accra-based Starr FM
‘It obvious the club is broke and we don’t have money to buy any quality player to help us this season.
‘The Hearts supporters are sick and tired and will not stand aloof again. Since he bought majority shares what have been the results? Absolutely nothing! Nothing is happening and we cannot allow this club to go down.’
The club is broke and ‘sinking’ as officials’ lower expectations of the suffering fans ahead of the new campaign.
Lack of financial warchest coupled with bitter power struggle has conspired against the club since the Asogli Traditional leader took over the club in 2012.
The club realized Ghc 2.5m ($1,326,260) from the share flotation exercise from the projected Ghc 10m ($5,305,039) of which Togbe Afede XIV holds majority shares.
The money realized was expected to kick start a wave of provision of needed club infrastructure while bringing to an end the enormous borrowing from commercial banks at high interest rates.
The under-fire majority shareholder has insisted he bought huge stake in the club to prevent it from collapsing three years ago.
The knives may not be out for Togbe Afede just yet but there are fingers on handles, and another trophless season may leave the accomplished businessman in fear for his life.
The club has played catch-up to their more stellar rivals Kotoko for the past three season- a situation the former Africa champions are desperate to overturn.
By Patrick Akoto follow @ patakoto1