90 Minutes has retracted a story which claimed John Pantsil was paid £10,000 for nullifying World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Ghana-based sports newspaper also issued a grovelling apology admitting that “the story is inaccurate” in the wake of the rumpus caused by the publication.
Pantsil, who plays for the English side Fulham vehemently, denied the story, threatening to take the publishers of 90 Minutes to court.
But in a quick move the newspaper admitted misquoting the player saying they are conducting an internal investigation on what caused the gaffe.
“90 Minutes newspaper will like to retract the above-headlined story that appeared in our Monday 20th April, 2009 edition,” the statement from 90 Minutes read.
“We will like to state that the story is inaccurate and would like to apologize unreservedly to John Pantsil, Roy Hodgson and Fulham Football Club.
“We deeply regret any inconveniences that this might have caused.
“Management of the paper has already begun the internal processes of putting in place mechanisms to forestall such an occurrence in the future.”
The reports appeared in the newspaper where it quoted him as saying he had received a £10,000 bonus for keeping Cristiano Ronaldo and his United team-mates quiet in their recent 2-0 league win.
The former West Ham defender has now rubbished those claims and even stated that the quotes were made up.
Under English Football Association rules, bonuses must be written into a player’s contract and Fulham have been quick to deny the claim.
Fulham spokeswoman Sarah Brookes said: “It is rubbish to suggest any of our players were given £10,000 for beating Manchester United. None of them received any extra money.”
By ghanasoccernet