Hearts plead for more time on stadium closure

Accra, Aug 16, GNA - The Management of Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club have asked the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Professional League Board (PLB) to allow them the use of the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium, Accra for their Sunday, August 20 encounter against Tema Real Sportive.

A statement issued by Mr Ashford Tettey Oku, Administrative Manager of Hearts copied to the GNA Sports said management was making the request because the facility is yet to be handed over to the constructors to start work and also for the fact that King Faisal will be using the same venue for their Saturday, August 19 Confederations Cup encounter against AS FAR of Morocco.

The statement added that Hearts has in view of a letter received concerning the closure of the stadium, commenced negotiations with authorities of the EL-Wak Sport Stadium where they are expected to relocate.

It said from the discussions so far, it appears that some rehabilitation works would have to be carried out to ensure the safety of fans and also maximise returns at the venue to ensure that all stakeholders have their share from the use of the facility. The GFA and the PLB some time last month notified all clubs who use the Ohene Djan and Baba Yara Sports Stadiums in Accra and Kumasi to find suitable home grounds and relocate by August 15 to facilitate renovation work on the venues in readiness for the hosting of African Nations Cup in 2008.

Hearts after consultation with the two bodies chose the EL-Wak Stadium as their new venue, while Liberty the other users of the Accra venue decided to use their Dansoman training grounds for their League matches.