By Patrick Akoto
Kotoko have confirmed they will seek clarification from the Ghana FA on the status of the Elite Cup competition before deciding on their next line of action in the brewing player eligibility controversy which has rocked Ghana.
The Disciplinary Committee upheld a protest lodged by Hearts against their rivals for the use of striker Obed Owusu during their league game last month.
The landmark ruling has divided opinions in the West African country with fears it could lead to the collapse of the Ghanaian top-flight if the giants suffer relegation.
Kotoko have vowed to fight what they termed as ‘criminal’ verdict against their club, threatening to make football ‘ungovernable’ in the country if the decision is not overturned.
But after an emergency meeting by the board on Wednesday, the club has decided to petition the Executive Committee, seeking clarification on the status of the Elite Cup competition – which is at the centre of saga before taking a definite decision on their next move.
The judicial body ruled, the newly-introduced Elite Cup Competition was NOT an ‘official’ match of the FA, leading to the point deduction which has touched nerves and sparked anger with the club's supporters threatening fire and brimstone.
“In such cases you need to exercise patient and react according to law. We have instructed our solicitors in Accra to act on it and see what we can do,†Board chairman Paul Adu-Gyamfi told Kumasi-based Nhyira FM
“In the meantime, it’s best we keep our cool and focus on our next game. We don’t have to go on rampage and we don’t have to talk unnecessarily.
“Our advise to our players is to concentrate on our next game. We have to prepare for it. We haven’t taking any decision yet on our involvement in the league.
“We are going to honour the match. If we don’t it infringes on the rules of the game. Our focus is to prepare for the two matches left and see what we can do.â€
Kotoko insist striker Obed Owusu was eligible to feature in the game against Hearts having served his suspension in the Elite Cup – a claim which has been rejected by the Disciplinary Committee.
GHANAsoccernet.com can reveal the club will brace itself for a showdown in court with the Ghana FA if the response turns out to be negative.
The move if carried through, will be murky and dangerous for the progress of football in the country as the FA will have to battle the biggest Ghanaian club in court, which could last for many months if not years.