Asante Kotoko dismiss ‘shocking’ match-fixing claims

Asante Kotoko have dismissed claims they attempted to bribe a referee during their Special Competition match against AshantiGold at the weekend.

Retired referee Robert Tawiah Mensah alleged that an official of the Porcupine Warriors approached him to facilitate bribing referees before the match.

According to the retired referee, one Kofi Oduro, popularly known as Hon. Sheeshela, who is known to be a close confidante of Kotoko chairman Dr. Kwame Kyei is demanding a refund of a supposed GH 8,000 he paid to the match officials.

The Ghana FA Normalisation Committee is expected to open a formal investigation into the matter.

Kotoko has since responded with a strongly worded statement denying any wrongdoing.

”The Executive Chairman and management of Asante Kotoko Sporting Club have received with shock and dismay news circulating in media circles on an alleged bribery scandal involving one Sheshela and being linked to the club,” a club statement read.

”The bribery allegation is connected to the match between Kotoko and Ashgold and is alleged to have transpired between the said Sheshela and a referee and it contained in a leaked audio that has gone viral.

”The Executive Chairman and Management wishes to state unequivocally that neither the Executive Chairman nor an official of the club has engaged in the said act and neither has the said Sheshela been contacted to engage in the act for and on behalf of the club.”