Mali2002: Problems mar teams and tournament

Problems with travel to and from Mali are plaguing the 2002 African Nation's Cup with flights being delayed and players being sent home.

Fans and journalists travelling to the African Nations Cup had great difficulty arriving in the country in time for the matches after flights were unexpectedly cancelled without prior warning.

Leaving Mali seems a much easier thing to do – at least if one takes the example set by the players. Sammy Kuffour was the third player sent home for disciplinary reasons. Shabani Nonda followed shortly afterward for ‘health reasons’. The Burundian-born striker who plays for the DR Congo, was hospitalised on his return to France.

Kuffour’s departure from the Black Stars’ camp is only the latest in a string of problems that has befallen the Ghanaian Nations Cup campaign. Training sessions have been cancelled, apparently after players decided that they did not want to train. There has also been a fist-fight between players about sleeping arrangements.

Even though most of the players on view in Mali have already signed contracts in Europe, the West African country seems to be a favourite holiday destination for agents. Several countries have also sent their scouts to look at their World Cup opposition, the more expensive and VIP stands in the stadium are packed.