Soccer News of Tuesday, 3 May 2011

Source: goal.com

Financial Scandal Engulfs GFA Presidential Aspirant Mortagbe

A huge cash scandal is engulfing Ghana FA presidential aspirant Neil Armstrong-Mortagbe after he was fingered in a damaging financial malfeasance in Ghana football, Afrikansoccer.com can reveal.

Mortagbe has been unable to account for 130 million cedis belonging to the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA), TWO YEARS after he supposed to have paid the money into the organisation’s account.

Mortagbe, an executive member of GHALCA, was given the money to pay into organisation’s bank account as part of their share from the Kotoko versus Heart of Lions clash in the top-four.

GHALCA, who organise the top-four competition, generate money from the tournament to help in catering for the welfare of struggling Ghanaian clubs.

But TWO YEARS after he was given the money to pay into GHALCA’s account, Mortagbe has still not paid which has prompted calls for an investigation into the issue.

When Rev. Emmanuel Adotey was contacted by Afrikansoccer.com over the scandal, the GHALCA boss refused to comment insisting it is an internal matter.

“We have had several calls on this issue from many people but as it is an internal matter we need to meet before we can say anything public,” Adotey told Afrikansoccer.com.

Mortagbe has also refused to comment on the substantive allegation claiming it is an attempt by his detractors to destroy him before GFA elections.

But the potentially damaging allegation could stretch his credibility and scupper his chances if GHALCA confirm that Mortagbe has still not paid the money.

Meanwhile several leading clubs have called for a thorough and public investigation into the matter to ensure that GHALCA and Ghanafootball gets rid of corrupt officials.