Retired referee Alex Kotey has apologized to former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Vice President George Afriyie after Afriyie threatened legal action over bribery allegations made against him.
During an appearance on Top FM, Kotey retracted his claims, emphasizing that he never intended to harm Afriyie’s reputation.
I have called George Afriyie to ask for his forgiveness. He is my close friend in football, and I didn’t mean to damage his image. I have sought his forgiveness so we can continue our friendship. I have retracted my statement, Kotey said.
Afriyie, who previously served as the Chief Executive (CEO) of Swedru All Blacks, had promised to pursue legal action after Kotey accused him of attempting to bribe him to influence officiating in favor of the club.
In the same interview, Kotey alleged that Afriyie had visited his home with a mutual friend and attempted to offer him money.
“George Afriyie came to my house and offered me a bribe during his time with All Blacks. I wasn’t aware of his visit until my friend, who accompanied him, informed me. I felt uncomfortable and initially refused to meet him. But after my friend convinced me, I agreed to speak with him. He wanted to give me money, but I told him I don’t engage in such things and advised him to give the money to his players instead,” Kotey alleged.
Responding to the accusation, Afriyie denied any wrongdoing and directed his lawyers to take legal action.
“I’m not 100% righteous, but during my time at All Blacks, Alex Kotey never officiated any of our three matches against Kotoko. I have instructed my lawyers to take him on,” Afriyie told Kessben FM.
Afriyie played a key role in All Blacks’ promotion to the Ghana Premier League in 2005 before leaving the club in 2008.
