Rot Galore: Stinky Dealings Place Kotoko-Sunderland Deal In Limbo

Dr. KK Sarpong, Whose Administration Has Witnessed Alleged Widespread Stinging Shady Dealings At Kotoko

Matters are becoming worse for Fabulous Krobia Asante Kotoko as the resignation of its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is spelling more doom for the African club of the century.

Reports reaching The Independent indicates, the Sunderland deal is nearing abrogation as the English club officials are also getting fed up with the recent turn of events.

Sources say the officials of the 'Black Cats' are not too sure whether or not Dr. Sarpong would be pressured to stay put, hence, it deemed it better to 'move on'.

Plans are far advanced for the commencement of the training programme as the English club has, according to reports, already spent some thousands of dollars all in preparedness for Kotoko.

'This is one of the reasons for their infuriation', the source whispered to The Independent.

If the new developments do not change for the better, the training programme for Kotoko's U-18 chaps at Wearside may not see the light of day, even though it is a count of days away (August 1 to 10).

The deal when it collapses will be a big blow to the club which was trying to carve a niche for itself in terms of a reputable professional club with an international brand.

Further information reaching this paper indicates, the senior and the junior teams of Kotoko are divided over the recent turn of events, especially considering the lucrative Kotoko-Sunderland partnership.

The club's International Relations Manager, Kwame Baah-Nuakoh, believed the nascent relationship between Wearside and Ashanti was a benchmark for development in African football.

'Kotoko's relationship with Sunderland is not only good for Kotoko but for all other Ghanaian clubs' (culled from Sunderland's website).

A highly-placed source in the porcupine warrior's camp has told The Independent that 'things are going to move from worse to worst, with the resignation of our board chairman'

'The Sunderland deal has definitely slipped through our hands. Furthermore there is no money to buy tickets' the source added.

The 'Black Cats' may have to wait to see whether or not a new board chairman would look their way because the astute business mogul and sports administrator is on his way out of Kumasi.

Why did K.K resign?
The Independent's sources close to Kotoko say the last straw that broke the camel's back was the mild outburst of the Asantehene, Otumfuor Osei Tutu II against the embattled former CEO.

This paper has learnt that one of the reasons why the Asantehene chided Dr. Sarpong was an allegation of financial embezzlement which the sources say were mere speculation with no basis.

It is also believed some 'old boys' (former players) of the club were actually masterminding the downfall of the Dr. K.K. Sarpong.

Though these players do not have football administration experience whatsoever, their heydays at the club made their voices heard both at the Kotoko Secretariat and the Manhyia Palace, the source said.

Another issue of contention that possibly infuriated Dr. Sarpong was the allegation of bribery and match-fixing in Kotoko's FA Cup final match with Medeama FC.

Sources say, Dr. Sarpong and some few elements in the club were accused of underhand dealings to the tune of GH¢100 million (1 billion cedis) in fixing the outcome of the duel, which many have said manifested in the 'lackluster' performance of the Ashanti team on the pitch.

Sources say, the fans and some close cadres to the team, accused Dr. Sarpong of promoting the Goldfields sponsored-Medeama FC at the expense of the Kotoko brand.

Though 'there is no smoke without fire' but the truth is yet to be revealed.

All efforts by The Independent to reach Kwame Baah-Nuakoh who is currently reading his PhD in the UK proved futile.

The die is cast, and the coming days will be interesting to behold as everybody awaits the official response of the man on the Golden stool (the Asantehene, life patron) which obviously would determine the fate of Kotoko.

Dr. KK Sarpong, Whose Administration Has Witnessed Alleged Widespread Stinging Shady Dealings At Kotoko