Retired referee Alex Kotey has publicly apologized to former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Vice President George Afriyie after accusing him of attempted bribery.
Kotey’s allegations, made during an interview with Top FM, sparked controversy and led Afriyie to seek legal redress, insisting that he had never attempted to bribe the referee.
“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 admitted, attempting to mend ties with Afriyie.
The controversy began when Kotey claimed that Afriyie had visited his house during his time with All Blacks, alongside a mutual friend, to offer him money.
According to Kotey, he initially refused to meet Afriyie but eventually did so after persuasion from his friend. “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.
Afriyie, however, dismissed the claims, stating he never attempted to bribe the referee and challenged Kotey’s version of events.
“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.
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