Ghana crashed out of the World Cup on Thursday hours after star players Sulley Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng were sensationally thrown out of the squad for bust-ups with management.
Ghana's fate was sealed with a 2-1 defeat to Portugal. The team walked stony-faced past journalists after the loss which ended a devastating day for the side who reached the quarter finals in 2010.
The Ghana Football Association said Muntari, 29, attacked a member of the management team while Boateng, 27, verbally abused national team coach Kwesi Appiah.
The suspensions came one day after the Ghana government said it was airlifting $3 million (2.2m euros) to Brazil to resolve a financial dispute with players, who boycotted training earlier this week in protest.
Appiah backed the move to order home Boateng and Muntari, insisting the decision did not cost his side a place in the last 16.
"If you want to build a team and instil discipline it's always important that you set things right so that it doesn't affect the team in the future," he said after the Portugal match.
The Ghana FA said that AC Milan's Muntari was sent home after "his unprovoked physical attack on an Executive Committee member of the GFA and a management member of the Black Stars, Mr. Moses Armah on Tuesday 24th June, 2014 during a meeting."
A similar statement explained the expulsion of Boateng, who plays for German side Schalke 04.
"The decision was taken following Boateng's vulgar verbal insults targeted at coach Kwesi Appiah during the team's training session in Maceio this week," said the statement.
"Boateng has since showed no remorse for his actions which has resulted in the decision."
Both players had their World Cup accreditations withdrawn.
Shouting match
In an interview with German newspaper Sport Bild, Boateng said Appiah had sworn at him during an altercation after the two players were ordered back to the changing room for laughing during a training session.
"I asked him what he has against me, whereupon he began to scream at me. He insulted me too, " said Boateng.
"I absolutely accept that (being sent home) but no-one should believe that I would have insulted the coach, nor to lay blame at my door.
"I'm now leaving and wish my teammates the best possible for the World Cup and the game against Portugal."
The Black Stars have had a tumultuous week.
On Wednesday midfielder Christian Atsu denied the players were threatening to boycott their final Group G game amid wrangling over bonuses.
"We love our country and we will play," said Atsu.
The team ended their protests after Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama personally assured them that he would send a chartered plane with the promised amount, more than $3 million, Atsu said.
Appiah told a pre-match press conference he was relieved the government had intervened.
Appiah, who has been coach since 2012, defended his players' actions, explaining the bonuses should have been paid before the finals.
"The players have to wait to be paid and the country must find the money before they arrive and that is where the problem lies," said Appiah.
Muntari, who was suspended for the Portugal game anyway after picking up two yellow cards at the World Cup, started both Ghana's previous games while Boateng came on as a substitute against the United States before starting against Germany.
AFP
Fri Jun 27 2014
Muntari was sent home after "his unprovoked physical attack on an Executive Committee member of the GFA - AP Photo/Themba Hadebe
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.