Kotoko deny Sunderland partnership termination reports as 'unfounded and baseless'

Kotoko have been forced to deny claims their partnership agreement with Sunderland has been cancelled, labeling such reportage as ‘unfounded and baseless’.

Media reports claimed on Monday that the English side have cancelled the partnership agreement signed with the club in 2011 over lack of professionalism.

But the club has quickly moved to pour cold water on the reports claiming they are unfounded and baseless.

“The reports are unfounded and baseless since Sunderland has not communicated any such decision to Kotoko as the memorandum of understanding between the two partners require if and when any party seeks to undertake such a step,” Board member and Liason between the club and Sunderland Kabral Blay-Amihere said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

“It is the expectation of Kotoko that the sporting media which has promoted and supported Kotoko throughout the years will not depart from this role by reportage that do not match the facts concerning the partnership between Kotoko and Sunderland.”

The Black Cats struck the deal with the Ghanaian giants in 2011 to offer practical support and advice in youth coaching, player development, fitness and medical matters and football business strategy to Kotoko under the deal.

In return, the African club, which boasts eight million followers, are required to promote the Barclays Premier League club brand in the continent.

However nothing concrete seems to emanating from the deal with current chief executive Samuel Opoku blamed for the turn of event due to what many perceive as his ‘school boy’ managerial style.

The partnership was signed by celebrated former Executive Board chairman Dr Kofi Kodua Sarpong.