Controversy hits Satellites over dropped Pappoe

Ghana Under-20 coach Sellas Tetteh has dropped Chelsea defender Daniel Pappoe due to injury, but the player is contesting the decision.

According to the Black Satellites’ team doctor, Prince Pambo, the guardsman was released because “it had become difficult for him to combine our heavy training and the tournament schedule” due to an injury.

He added: “He had a ligament injury back in Chelsea which was repaired a year ago. They were managing his schedule but the load of training with Ghana had increased. We noticed a swelling and requested for his medical records from Chelsea in accordance with the FIFA requirements.”

However, Pappoe has challenged that claim. He tweeted on Wednesday: “Thanks for all the support guys but am fit and everything about my injury is false! Everything happens for a reason...good day folks! I'm fully fit. I don't know where that fake injury came from.”

Israeli-based Baba Mensah has taken Pappoe’s place ahead of the 2013 World Youth Championship in Turkey. Ghana have been paired in Group A with France, USA and Spain.