Hearts of Oak have denied claims by former head coach Martin Koopman that board members forced players on him during his time at the club.

Koopman was shown the exit after just three months at the club following the Phobians' poor start to the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League season.

The Dutch trainer following his shocking dismissal revealed in an interview some leaders at the club were involved in his operation of the team which he feels affected him.

According to Koopman, seven players which included Salifu Ibrahim, Eric Esso, Richard Attah and Dennis Korsah. were to be blacklisted from his squad for the campaign.

"They told me not to use them because they don’t believe them and they cannot help me in the competition," he told Ghana Sports Page.

However, in a press conference on Monday, December 4, Board Members Dr Nyaho Nyaho Tamkloe, Vincent Odotei Sowah and Alhaji Akambi addressed what they describe as a 'distasteful' comment to make.

"We believe that cooperation is what can give you good results," Nyaho-Tamakloe said. "The board finds Koopman’s statement very distasteful. The board has never said to any coach or Koopman that he shouldn’t use the players he mentioned."

"Martin Koopman was solely in charge of player selection in the team. He was given full responsibility."

Since the dismissal of the Dutchman, assistant coach Abdul Bashiru has been in charge of the club, picking one win, two draws and one defeat.

The defeat saw them exit the MTN FA Cup after the round of 64.