Audio By Carbonatix
It happens all over the world: clubs in top flight leagues who have continental assignments disagree with league organisers over fixture scheduling.
It's often the case that the clubs want league fixtures moved so they can rest adequately for the continental games. And often, the league organiser has the final say - which is a no.
Cue angry clubs.
Hearts of Oak are in that position, having been told to honour Wednesday's First Capital Plus Premier League match day 15 away fixture against AshGold.
On Monday, the Ghana FA had shot down the Phobian's request for a postponement. Hearts had wanted more time to prepare for Sunday’s Confederation Cup match against Mali’s Djoliba.
General Manager, Gerald Ankrah, has articluated Hearts of Oak’s disappointment and he's waving the 'insensitive' card at the football governing body.
“We submitted a letter requesting to have the AshGold game postponed last week Tuesday. The Premier League Board (PLB) met and turned down our request on Wednesday but we received the decision by a letter today [Monday],” he said angrily.
“We played Olympics on Sunday, [set] to play AshGold [on Wednesday] and we have a very big game in Africa in Accra on Sunday.”
“We are not happy about the decision when we are the only club in Africa and have to prepare well but we are going head strong to play the [AshGold] game.”
Ankrah believes the GFA is not looking at the big picture as he feels an African club game should be key enough for Ghana to give its clubs the best preps.
“I spoke to a top AshGold official and they were returning from Wa this morning. I ask, why the rush? Look at the distance we would both have to cover for Wednesday’s game before returning to Accra for Djoliba on Sunday. I don’t want to say certain things but officials are being economical with issues,” he said in the interview with Happy FM in Accra.
As is stands, Hearts have to dig deep to win Wednesday's game, knowing their 10th place on the league log cannot be compromised. After that, they must find inspiration to shake off fatigue before the weekend.
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Follow Gary on Twitter: @garyalsmith
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