Kotoko, Faisal in crunch deal

Uncrowned league champions, Kumasi Asante Kotoko, are confronted with a huge challenge in their second title chase by city rivals King Faisal at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday, days after wrapping up their 23rd premiership silverware at Bekwai.

After a long wait, the two rivals can finally have a go at each other in search of the prestigious MTN FA Cup title following the Appeals Committee’s ruling on an Ashantigold appeal over their aborted quarter-finals duel with Kotoko.

A six-man committee presided over by the vice chairman, Emmanuel Effah Annan, dismissed Ashgold’s appeal against an earlier decision by the Disciplinary Committee to declare Kotoko winners of the said match on April 13, 2014 which the Obuasi-based club failed to honour. 

While dismissing the case, the ruling signed by Mr Annan, however, recommended to the FA to build consensus with the away team in such situations in the future regarding the venue of the match to avoid a recurrence.

“However, it is recommended that should a similar situation arise in the future, the GFA should endeavour to engage the away team, particularly with regard to financial outlays and logistical concerns of the away team to build consensus before deciding on a new venue for the match,” the ruling dated May 22, 2014 suggested.

In a swift reaction to the ruling yesterday, the Chief Executive of Ashantigold hinted the Graphic Sports that the club was going to pursue the matter to its logical conclusion.

Describing the ruling as  contradictory, Mr Fianoo felt Ashantigold had been vindicated by the committee’s recommendation to the FA.

He said the club received the decision only yesterday but had 72 hours to file for a review, and were in talks with their solicitors in that regard.

While the boardroom brouhaha rages on, the FA Cup Committee (FACC) chaired by the former FA boss, Lepowura M.N.D. Jawula is busily tightening the screws for Sunday’s showdown in Oseikrom.