Soccer News of Friday, 25 January 2002

Source: .

Kuffour's Exit, An Extention of Abedi-Yeboah Conflict

Ghanaians are still reeling over the simmering feud between Bayern Munich defender Samuel Kuffour that blew into war on Tuesday, leading to the player's expulsion.

Coach Fred Osam Duodu said the player was a disruptive influence to his team and would be better off out of the squad.

He said: "I took the decision on my own, because the boy has become a disruptive influence. I am happy we have overcome the effect of his departure and are looking forward to the next game.

"I know a few players are still sore about the whole episode, but we have talked things over and are ready to proceed as a family. We won't miss him."

Insiders in the Ghanaian team believe the conflict is an extension of the Tony Yeboah and Abedi Pele personality clashes, which has, over the years dragged Ghanaian football backwards.

Kuffour is known to be a strong supporter of Yeboah and has not been happy about Pele's promotion as a member of executive board of the Ghana Football Association. Osam Duodu's systematic wielding out of players believed to have been loyal to Yeboah has been condemned by Kuffour, hence his clashes with the coach eventual expulsion.