Como FC owner Akosua Puni apologises for failing to pay players

Akosua Puni Essien, the owner of Italian Club, FC Como has apologised for her failure to pay the players and staff of the team their outstanding salaries for the 2016-2017 season.

Akosua, the wife of former Chelsea star Michael Essien saved the Italian third division Lega Pro side from bankruptcy when she bought it for €237,000 at an auction in March. The figure was €10,000 more than the starting price.

However, the club has faced some tough periods since she acquired it as they failed to progress beyond the first round of playoffs for promotion to the Italian Serie B.

Akosua Puni Essien has had to render an apology for the delay to settle the salary arrears which she attributes to a "technical" difficulty.

"I'm sorry for this delay, of a technical nature: I guarantee that the money for the club was sent," Gianluca Savoini, spokesman for the new owner of Como FC said.

Reports in the Italian media indicate that Como is also facing financial difficulties with respect to registering their players for the next season as well as set-up friendly matches.

The financial troubles of Como have also affected the recruitment of players by newly appointed coach, Mark Iuliano.