Hearts Players Can?t Be Released ? Chairman

Accra Hearts of Oak have stated their inability to release their players for a proposed European trip by the Black Stars later this month.This, according to the club, is in view of their two-leg tie with Etoile du Sahel in the third round of the CAF Champions League.

A statement signed by club chairman, Thomas Okine, said ?We will not be able to release any of our players for the proposed trip?.The Black Stars are expected to play the Portuguese and French national teams in international friendlies later this month, which co-incides with Hearts? games against Etoile du Sahel on Sunday in Accra and May 30 in Sousse.

Hearts, therefore, claim that ?clearly very important issues come into play including conflict of dates/interests as well as the attendant dislocations and distractions in our preparations for the tie?.

Hearts supply at least five players to the national team, and together with Asante Kotoko, King Faisal and Liberty Professionals who are also engaged in continental games over the same period, they contribute about the entire local squad to the national team.

Meanwhile, Hearts have released rates for Sunday?s game against Etoile du Sahel in Accra.A statement signed by Administrative Manager, Ashford Tettey Oku, pegged the rates at: VIP ? ?150,000; Wings ? ?100,000; Upper Terrace ? ?80,000; Osu/May 9 ? ?40,000 and Popular Stand ? ?30,000. The statement said VIP tickets are available at the club?s secretariat during working hours.

It also advised that vehicles be parked at the Independence Square during the match.In yet another development, Hearts have commended their fans for their turnout to watch the team play the Sqirrels of Benin last Sunday.

In another statement, Hearts said, ?as we seriously consider organising the club?s future friendlies at the El-Wak Stadium, we hope to count on their support and co-operation if the decision is finally taken?.