On the verge of their most important matchday of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the discord within the ranks of Ghana's Football Association has reached a catastrophic levels. Reportedly, Ghana's President John Mahama requested a "straight cash, homie" shipment of approximately $3 million World Cup advance to pay off outstanding debts to disgruntled players who refused to train on Tuesday. While the shipment reportedly arrived in Brazil, it wasn't until after a meeting with players replaced a crucial training session forcing the President to act and the fallout continued on Thursday.
While Ghana and Portugal are set to face off in a matchup of two teams seeking to mount a comeback and overtake the United States for second place in Group G.
However, the Black Stars will be without a pair of star midfielders after Ghana's FA decided to suspend Sulley Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng. Muntari has been benched by his own squad for an unprovoked physical attack on an FA executive committee member while Boateng was sent away for verbally attacking the team's coach James Appiah. It's unclear if the exact cause of the altercation is related to the row over money owed to players.
Via The Guardian:
Boateng confirmed he had been sent home, but denied the charges, telling the German magazine Sport-Bild: “Sulley Muntari and I were just joking around, and the coach stopped the session and sent us back to the changing room.
“Afterwards I went to him and asked what he had against me and he started yelling. He insulted me. There were words like: ‘Fuck off’.”
Boateng said he “absolutely accepts” his suspension, but added: “No-one should think I insulted the coach. I’m travelling now, and I wish my colleagues all the best for the match against Portugal.”
