Kotoko justify sale of Albert Amoah amid financial struggles

Asante Kotoko Communications Director, Samuel Sarfo Duku, has explained the club’s decision to sell star forward Albert Amoah, citing financial realities and the lack of sponsorship as major factors.

According to him, player sales remain the only sustainable source of motivation and revenue for Ghanaian clubs battling rising operational costs and dwindling corporate support.

Speaking to Luv FM in Kumasi, Duku said the current economic climate has left clubs with limited options but to cash in on their top talents to survive.

“Let me be frank with you,” he stated. “The only motivation left in our game today is to get an opportunity to sell one or two players abroad. Otherwise, a time will come when clubs will have to beg to raise funds to run the clubs.”

Duku further lamented the poor returns from local matchdays and the lack of sponsors, adding that even participation in continental competitions has become financially draining.

“The matches are not fetching us money, sponsors are not coming because of economic reasons,” he said. “So, if the opportunity comes and Kotoko House will be run, why not?”

He revealed that Kotoko’s recent CAF Confederation Cup campaign against North African giants Wydad Athletic Club (WAC) underlined the huge financial disparity between Ghanaian and North African clubs.

“We thought we could make some good returns from the two matches we played,” Duku disclosed. “Unfortunately, the amount of money received was no more than ₵250,000. And for this particular trip, we spent about $130,000.”

Duku’s remarks come days after Albert Amoah completed a move to Al Ahly Benghazi of Libya, following Kotoko’s elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup.