Communications Director of Asante Kotoko, Samuel Sarfo Duku, has noted that the club have not rescinded the decision to withdraw from the Ghana Premier League after the death of a staunch fan Nana Pooley.
He clarified that the decision to withdraw is an effort to seek reforms and that until the objective is achieved, the decision remains unchanged.
He acknowledged and lauded the Ghana Police Service for the swift actions taken including the multiple arrests made in connection with the death of Pooley.
“They (the Police) have just started, let’s wait and see where things will get to. For now, it’s too early to say that we have rescinded our decision. We are saying that we want to see that the Police are getting somewhere and hopefully they will get there,” he told 3Sports.
“So far six arrests have been made and it’s refreshing. But let’s wait and see where things will get to. I don’t think that Kotoko is saying they will not play football again. No, that’s not what we are saying.”
Sarfo Duku reiterated that losing a fan should compel and inspire major reforms in the league.
“We kept complaining that things were not in good shape but unfortunately, we didn’t get the appropriate response. We believe that we have lost a soul, so it will compel the stakeholders that things are not really going well. We want to see major reforms in the game.”
Asante Kotoko in a statement released on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, announced their withdrawal from the GPL.
The club have suspended all first-team football activities but juvenile activities will continue as required.
“Asante Kotoko wish to state that all footballing activities of the senior team are on hold until further notice. Our stance remains unchanged; we will not resume footballing duties until justice is served, and concrete steps are taken to prevent such barbaric acts from ever happening again,” the club wrote.
“In the meantime, management has decided to suspend all activities relating to football on the pitch until further investigations into the matter. However, our juvenile team and players recovering from injuries who require rehab will be allowed at our training centre
Communications director of Kotoko, Sarfo Duku, says the club’s stance of temporarily putting all matches on hold in honour of the late Nana Pooley has not changed despite the Police making arrests and being swift with investigations.#3Sports pic.twitter.com/M8dRT9KCZG
— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) February 9, 2025
EE/EK
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