Accra, Feb 21, GNA - Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club has dispelled rumours in some sections of the media that ex-President Jerry John Rawlings is being considered for an appointment as Chairman of the Council of Patrons of the Club.

A statement signed by Mr Commodore Mensah Board Chairman of the Club copied to the GNA Sports said, the ex-president is not a member of the Council nor has he been approached by the club to serve as the President of the Council.

According to the statement, the appointment of the President of Council of Patrons must be confirmed by Congress, the highest decision making body of the club.

Article 4.2.1 (b) and (d) of the Club's constitution states that, "The Council consist of not less than five members who shall be nominated by either the Board /or members of the Council and such nomination shall be confirmed by the Congress. No person shall be appointed a patron of the club unless he shall prior to such appointment have consented in writing to be so appointed".

The statement said that it is obvious that by the tenets of the constitution, the president and the vice president of the Council of Patrons have to be elected by the Council from its membership. The statement said the name of the former president did not come up at the last Congress for the position of a Patron and was therefore not so appointed.

"It is therefore constitutionally impossible for him to become the president or vice president of the Council". It added that "such positions will be filled in due course by applying the relevant provisions of our constitution". The statement said the speculation is therefore false, illogical and baseless and could either be a figment of somebody's imagination or the by product of mischief intended to drag Hearts into unnecessary politics.

"The Board of Directors has a responsibility to protect the constitution and abide by it, this we shall do at all times". It added that Hearts is unique national institution that has room for people of diverse background and "we have a duty to ensure that we do not introduce party politics into it". 21 Feb. 06