Asante Kotoko Sporting Club has made the decision to withdraw from the Ghana Premier League indefinitely in the wake of the tragic death of one of its devoted supporters, Francis Yaw Frimpong, popularly known as ‘Pooley’.
The incident occurred on Sunday, February 2, 2025, during a match against Nsoatreman FC at Nana Konamansah Park.
In an official statement, the club expressed profound grief over the loss and reaffirmed its commitment to seeking justice for their late supporter.
Asante Kotoko praised the swift response of law enforcement, particularly the efforts of the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, and the Bono Regional Police Commander, DCOP Lydia Donkor, in apprehending the suspects linked to the incident.
The club emphasized that its decision to suspend all senior team football activities is driven by a desire to honor the memory of their late fan and to ensure justice is served.
Asante Kotoko also highlighted the need for broader reforms within Ghanaian football to address violence, hooliganism, and lawlessness, calling on all football stakeholders, including rivals Accra Hearts of Oak, to join in this critical cause.
“We will not resume football activities until justice is served and concrete measures are taken to prevent such senseless acts from occurring again,” the statement read.
While the senior team’s on-pitch activities have been suspended, the club will allow its juvenile team and players undergoing rehabilitation to continue with their training.
The statement concluded by reassuring fans of the club’s ongoing commitment to justice and a safer future for Ghanaian football.
The club’s management stressed that this decision goes beyond mere competition, with a focus on the safety, dignity, and integrity of the sport in the country.
