Soccer News of Friday, 8 November 2002

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Lawrence Adjei chases his enticement fee

Solicitors for former Asante Kotoko player, Lawrence Adjei, have sent out a clear signal about their determination to unravel the mystery surrounding the whereabouts of the player's enticement fee paid by Spartak Moscow. Lawrence Adjei — Former Kotoko star, riding high on the shoulders of Chief Executive, Herbert Mensah In a petition dated 5 November and addressed to the GFA Chairman, the solicitors, Lumor, Acheampong and Co. implored the FA to intervene and help trace the whereabouts of Lawrence Adjei's enticement fee.

The solicitors expressed the hope that the petition would be responded to within 28 days. They also urged the FA to contact the Russian FA for the agency contract and all other documents in respect of Lawrence Adjei's contract.

The petition was copied to the Chief Executive of Asante Kotoko, the Minister of Youth and Sports and the Chairmen of the Professional League Board and the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA). The petition said Adjei was transferred to Spartak Moscow somewhere in June, 2001, and played series of matches for them.

The player was paid $10,000 for the first three months and $2,000 for the fourth month. When Adjei inquired about his enticement fee, insurance and accommodation from the Moscow club, he was told to contact his agent as all monies had been paid to him.

The player, the petition noted, insists he never met any agent when he was being transferred. All efforts to contact Kotoko about the revelation relating to the agent drew a blank. Following difficulties he faced in Moscow, Adjei returned to Ghana to sort things out with his former club. His problem could, however, not be solved.

His solicitors thereafter wrote to Kotoko to ask for documentation on his contract. Documents the solicitors received indicated that an agency fee of 12.5 per cent was paid to an alleged agent. The solicitors followed up the matter with a request for the agency agreement, but Kotoko have not been able to make available the contract signed by Adjei and the said agent.