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Soccer News of Wednesday, 12 December 2001

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Kuffour Clashes With Black Stars Coach

Ghana's national team coach Fred Osam Doudu is set for a collision course with Bayern Munich's Sammy Kuffour following comments by the defender suggesting that Ghana will not do well at the next Nations Cup in Mali.

Kuffour told the BBC Sports Online that fans should not expect anything from the Black Stars in Mali because of the FA's poor administration.

That comment has infuriated the coach who has asked Kuffour to retract, confirm or deny the statement to enable him to take his final decision.

The 25-year old has been heavily criticized by a section of the public for the comments though most agree the management of football here falls below the required standards.

The BBC wrote that "Bayern Munich and Ghanaian international defender, Samuel Osei Kuffour is warning fans not to expect anything of the Black Stars at Mali 2002.

He says the team are in no shape to put up a serious challenge because of the failure of the Ghana Football Association to give them the necessary support."

The coach has not specified what action he will take against Kuffour but with the full support of the FA, he is said to be considering dropping the experienced defender whose presence in Mali 2002 will mark his fourth consecutive Nations Cup appearance.

Kuffour has always been at loggerheads with FA authorities. He was outspoken against the dropping of Charles Akunnor, Sam Johnson and Kwame Ayew and has already rejected the team's captaincy in protest at what he says was the poor manner Akunnor was treated.