ACTUALITE |
16.01.2002
Liberia`s players on strike
Liberia`s players have refused to carry on training and are threatening to pull out of the Nations Cup after a pay dispute with their football association.
They say that unless their demands are met, they will not get on board Wednesday`s flight to Mali and will instead return to their clubs.
The players say that they are each due $15,000 for being selected to go to the Nations Cup.
The Liberian FA is offering just $6,500.
The Lone Star players met with officials on Monday night at their training camp at Bingerville in Ivory Coast, but failed to reach an agreement.
They are due to hold further meetings.
Team coach, George Weah, said he arrived at the practice pitch on Tuesday morning expecting to hold a training session, but none of the players turned up.
"I`m in a very difficult position", says player-turned-coach Weah.
"I`m not saying they shouldn`t get the money, and I`m not saying they shouldn`t play.
"But if players aren`t satisfied, they won`t get results".
New squad
The Liberian team is already missing two of its longest-serving members.
Former captain Joe Nagbe has ruled himself out of the squad because he is trying to revive a flagging club career at Panionios in Greece.
Debbah is not with the team
And first-choice striker James Debbah has failed to arrive at the training camp in another dispute over money.
The striking players say they received no payment during the Nations Cup qualifying campaign, and believe they could earn more than the $6,500 being offered by returning to their clubs.
Mali 2002 is only the second Nations Cup tournament that Liberia has ever qualified for.
The Lone Star are due to be playing the hosts in the opening match on Saturday.
Weah is not confident that the squad will make it.
"I hope nothing happens, but the players are very serious.
"If everybody refuses to go, Caf may have to do something exceptional and allow Liberia to register another 22 players, or Liberia could be ruled out of the tournament."
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Hits: 1 | Source:BBC | |
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