Hearts of Oak ‘deeply disturbed’ Anas used club in video

Ghana Premier League side Accra Hearts of Oak has expressed dissatisfaction at the use of the club by investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas and Tiger Eye PI in their documentary film to expose corruption in Ghana football.

The documentary film, which was premiered on Wednesday, revealed, among other things, how the Phobians were rewarded a last-minute penalty by referee Samuel Suka in a Premier League game with arch-rivals Asante Kotoko.

The goal was apparently the only one in the game.

Tiger Eye PI and Anas Aremeyaw Anas posed as officials of Hearts of Oak and caused matches to be fixed.

Ghana Football Association’s Communications Director Ibrahim Saani Daara was approached by Tiger Eye to influence the selection of former Hearts of Oak captain Thomas Abbey for the Black Stars.

In a statement issued and signed by club Chief Executive Officer Mark Noonan on Thursday, Hearts of Oak said “we are deeply disturbed that Accra Hearts of Oak SC was used by actors planted by the production company to serve their purpose”.

“This unauthorised use of impostors posing as Club officials is not something we would ever condone, and we strongly condemn it.”

The club said it has a policy of zero-tolerance to bribery and match manipulation.

“This policy is covered in the club’s Code of Ethics in employment agreements and contracts signed by our coaches and players.”

It was pleased that none of its officials was implicated in the exposé.

“We also strongly believe in due process and hope that those that have been accused have the opportunity to defend themselves without prejudice.

“That said, we also call upon those who know they have done wrong to look in the mirror and do the right thing by immediately resigning from their positions.”