GOVERNMENT has released sh96m to help facilitate Cranes in their preparation for the 2006 World Cup/Africa Nations Cup away encounter against Ghana next week.

State sports minister Charles Bakkabulindi said the funds will help in the training, transport and allowances for the team.

?The money issue has been solved. We do not expect any financial problems from them again. We have got them all the money they wanted,? said Bakkabulindi.

FUFA Normalisation Committee spokesman Patrick Isiagi confirmed they had secured facilitation from government through National Council of Sports.

Meanwhile, Cranes assistant coach Sam Ssimbwa was yesterday forced to pay the players sh500 each to transport them to training at Mandela Stadium from Lugogo because NCS general secretary Jasper Aligawesa insisted he would only fuel the Cranes bus and not give individuals cash.

The bus is not available since FUFA hired it out to Kampala United. In a related development, Bakkabulindi has asked Cranes coach Mohammed Abbas to declare his entire earnings before seeking extra financial help.