Hearts unhappy with CAN 2008 Global Launch

Accra, Sept, 12, GNA -- Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club, one of the oldest existing Clubs in country have expressed their displeasure at the failure of the Local Organisation Committee (LOC) of CAN 2008 to invite the Club and other Clubs to the Global Launch of the competition last week.

The LOC on September 8 inaugurated its Secretariat and unveiled the CAN 2008 Logo and Mascot on Friday, September 8.

A statement issued and signed by E.M. Commodore Mensah, Chairman of the Board of Directors, copied to the Chairman of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), said the Club felt not only slighted but disappointed at the failure of the LOC to invite Hearts and probably other football clubs to such a significant event.

It said, "Indeed seeing some of the invitees on television, last Friday, we as a bona fide constitituent member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), hereby register our strong protest on the unfortunate situation."

The statement added that, "in seeking to improve upon previous events, when the nation hosted the competition in 1965, 1978 and 2000, we wish to remind you that in spite of the odds, including financial difficulties and infrastructural problems, we have over the past years laboured to sustain the game, of which the FA is reaping the fruits today."

It said for the football clubs to be treated in such a shabby manner is not only an unfair reward but also signals the danger in isolating them.

The statement said, "We hope that the GFA will remember in future, that first and foremost, it is an association of football clubs whose goodwill and support they will need in the discharge of all their duties be they ceremonial or official."