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Soccer News of Saturday, 21 December 2002

Source: NH

Black Stars Shocked at Ben Koufie's no Show

The FA Chairman’s failure to visit the locally assembled Black Stars then in camp when he launched the 5-year Development plan in Kumasi has been condemned by some players coming in the wake of his planned trip to Germany, where he would be visiting injured player, Otto Addo and make a cash presentation.

The players claim that, Mr. Koufie clearly showed that their welfare was not in the FA’s plans. This move has resurrected the notion that the foreign-based players are better treated than their home-based ones counterparts.

Many media personnel who were close to the team during their training camp claim that it was a sign of non-approval for the timing and place.

Investigations have revealed that the FA was not in approval of the camping and the mode of selection of the players but caretaker coach, E.K Afranie insisted on building a local team.

Some members argued that the players selected were not right as the bulk of Asante Kotoko players were busy preparing for their Cup Winners Cup final while those of Hearts of Oak were out of the country for a tournament.

FA sources claim that the Football Association was looking at the financial cost since most players invited were not going to make it if players from Kotoko and Hearts arrive.