Official: Kotoko withdraw from President Cup

Kumasi Asante Kotoko have pulled out of this year's President Cup which will commemorate Ghana's Republic Day on July 1.

The Porcupine Warriors have taken this decision to register their protest at what they call unfair treatment by the Ghana Football Association.

Kotoko have been handed a temporarily ban from using their traditional home ground the Baba Yara Stadium following brutal attacks by their fans on Medeama.

Kotoko believe there are deliberate attempts by certain 'cohorts' of the Ghana FA to rob them of this year's league title.

Dr Ernest Opoku, who speaks on behalf of the club explains, "In our last game against Medeama SC everybody was a witness to how Silas Okine robbed Kotoko. After the incident, Kotoko were banned but up until now, we haven't heard anything from the FA concerning Silas Okine.

He added: "The FA is not paying any attention to whatever Kotoko have to say. So we think it's better for us to pull out of the President's Cup to register our protest."

Kotoko also believe that organizers of the President Cup, the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA), have not been supportive since they were punished by the FA.

"We know the President's Cup is sanctioned and organised by the GHALCA but after the GFA temporarily banned Kotoko from the Baba Yara Stadium, what has the GHALCA done about it? It seems the GHALCA doesn't understand our plight," he added.

"And it seems they are not doing anything about it that's why we feel we don't have to play in the President's Cup."

The defending league champions have also told Joy Sports they will only play in the Top Four competition if they are financial demands are met.