Getafe refuse to release Boateng

Getafe have infuriated the Ghana FA after declining to release Derek Boateng for the African Cup of Nations.

Boateng was called up as a late replacement after a spate of injuries decimated the Ghana squad in their preparation for the bi-annual competition in Angola. However, Getafe have refused to accommodate Ghana, stating that the request violates FIFA rules.

FIFA rules indicate that football associations must call up their players for tournaments two weeks in advance before the competition.

Getafe are reported to be considering action against the Ghanaian FA should Boateng be used during the African Cup of Nations.

Striker Ransford Osei has been called up to replace Boateng in the mean time as forward Haminu Dramani will double up for Ghana as a winger.

The Black Stars have been decimated by injuries as stars such as Stephen Appiah and Laryea Kingston have been sidelined for the entire competition. Vice-captain John Mensah and John Paintsil will also be excluded from this edition of the African Cup of Nations through injury