Kotoko, Esperance settle dispute

Ghana’s Asante Kotoko and Esperance Sportive du Tunis have reached an amicable settlement after the Porcupine Warriors paid $30,000 to the Tunisian champions last Tuesday.

In addition to the $30,000 difference, Kotoko were also made to pay an extra $15,000 being a fine imposed on them for the sittings by the FIFA subcommittees which heard the case.

The longstanding deal was finally executed on behalf of the two clubs by Dr Kwame Kyei, Executive Board Chairman of Kotoko, and the General Secretary of Esperance, Mr Mohamed Farouk.

Kotoko pay $15,000 to FIFA

According to a statement signed by Mr Ashford Tettey-Oku, CEO of CLOSEmarking CONSULT, which represented Kotoko in the arbitration process, the Ghanaian side set off Kwame Bonsu’s $150,000 transfer fee due them as initial payment for the $180,000 they were supposed to pay to Esperance as compensation for the breach of inducing Emmanuel Clottey in 2015.

“Kotoko pays $30,000 to cover the final payment of the indebtedness to Esperance, and which payment was effected swiftly by SWIFT on April 20, 2020.

“Finally, in compliance with paragraph 3 of the FIFA DISCO decision of 9th April, 2020, Kotoko on 20th April, 2020 also paid the CHF15,000 ($15,525) fine imposed into the FIFA dollar account,” the statement explained.

However, the huge interest of $45,000 which inflated Kotoko’s debt, was waived by Esperance following the healthy relationship that exists between the two clubs.

Esperance’s $45,000 waiver

“In response to Kotoko’s proposal of 11th April, Esperance on the 12th April, 2020, in the spirit of sportsmanship, and the desire to keep a healthy relationship between the two clubs, agreed to waive and or forfeit five per cent interest per annum from July 2015, the FIFA decision of 9th April, 2020 notwithstanding.

“From the foregoing, both parties forfeit transfer and interest rights and benefits in cases NR 2000162 (Bonsu) and 200369 (Clottey) respectively,” it stressed.

Settlement agreement filed at FIFA

It further stated that in order to satisfy the relevant FIFA provisions, the settlement agreement dated April 24, 2020 was filed last Tuesday to signify an amicable conclusion of the matter.

“Pursuant to relevant FIFA provisions and protocols, the settlement agreement dated April 24th, 2020 was duly filed today, 28th April, 2020 to bring the matter to an amicable conclusion, and thereby discharging Kotoko from further contemplated sanctions vide the FIFA Disciplinary Code.”

The statement assured that the two clubs would further explore the possibility of establishing and deepening bilateral relations, including sporting and technical development, between them.