Mel Goldberg Law Solicitors dismiss fraud allegations

Accra, May 17, GNA - Mel Goldberg Law Solicitors of London, organizers of the England-Ghana friendly match last March has refuted allegations of defrauding the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and travel operators, Bahmed Travel and Tours of more than A3100,000.

Mel Goldberg, an Executive of Mel Goldberg Law in a statement copied to "I refute absolutely the comments made against me and my firm by both Mr Bandoh and GNA insofar as they allege that my firm has failed to make due payments to the GFA of monies, I deny all and any such suggestions.


"The GFA has issued a press statement that contradicts absolutely these scurrilous comments because they are not true. I have provided the GFA at all times with correspondence from my bank concerning these payments, all of which have been duly paid.


"The reference to emails in the GNA article are taken totally out of context and give a wholly misleading, unfair and untruthful impression," the statement said.


Mel Goldberg also denied any dealings with Bahmed Travel and Tours, insisting that his outfit only dealt with African Origin Travels and Sports Tourism with respect to the match.


He said his firm continues to enjoy a healthy relationship with the GFA, various Ghanaian broadcasters, Ghana High Commission in London, the general public and look forward working with all for the benefit of Ghana football.

Bahmed Travel and Tours in a release to GNA Sports claimed Mel Goldberg Law failed to refund to it A351,000 as well as a pre-match deed of paying the GFA over 370,000.


The travel company said they paid for A389,000 worth of tickets but only 338,000 worth was supplied.


Ghana held England to a 1-1 draw in the first ever meeting between the two sides at senior level on March 29 at the Wembley stadium.


The GNA Sports thus renders its unqualified apology to Mel Goldberg for the purported report.