Clubs will not use logo of sponsors during Top 4 Competition

Accra, Jan. 5, GNA - The Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) has warned the four participating clubs in this year's Coca-Cola Top Four Competition that none would be allowed to emboss their jerseys with their individual sponsor's logo apart from the title sponsors of the competition - Coca Cola.

In an interview with the GNA Sports, Mr Cudjoe Fianoo, Administrative Manager of CHALCA said it was important for all to realise that every competition comes with its own set of rules that should be adhered to.

He said every company that sponsors any competition aims at getting the maximum returns on its investment and it is important that the association protects the interest of Coca Cola to motivate others to invest into sports.

Mr Fianoo's assertions were in view of the looming clash of interest between GHALCA and the two big clubs in the competition - Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko - which are being sponsored by other companies.

During last year's competition, GHALCA had to compromise at the last minute to allow Kotoko to use the logo of Spacefon on their jerseys after the cellular phone company threatened to penalise Kotoko for playing the opening match without the spacefon logo.

"It is important for us to learn to do things the right way and if any club would wish to use any logo apart from that of the competition's title sponsor it must first apply to GHALCA for discussion," Mr Fianoo told the GNA.

"Why should Kotoko and Hearts obey the instruction of CAF and decide not to wear the logo of the sponsors in the initial stages of the CAF Confederations cup until Spacefon went to negotiate with the continental soccer body?

"We are not saying they should not wear the logo of their sponsors, but the right thing must be done and since another company is sponsoring the competition, it is right that we sit down and negotiate so that everybody gets its share of what is due him."

The GHALCA Top Four Competition to be participated in by defending Champions King Faisal, Hearts, Kotoko and new entrants Kpando Heart of Lions, is a preseason tournament started some four years back to keep the teams in shape for both the continental club assignments, and the premier league.

The competition starts from January 23 and ends on February 22. Previous winners of the competition are Hearts, Kotoko and King Faisal.