Midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng has given a different account of what led to his expulsion from Ghanaââ¬â¢s World Cup camp.
The Germany-born claims he was made the scapegoat for questioning the Ghana Football Association president about the whereabouts of FIFAââ¬â¢s US$ 1m given to finalists to prepare for the tournament.
But his suspension letter said: ââ¬ÅThe decision was taken following Boatengââ¬â¢s vulgar verbal insults targeted at coach Kwesi Appiah during the teamââ¬â¢s training session in Maceio this week.ââ¬
In his latest interview with Sky Sport Italia on Sunday evening, the Schalke 04 did not mention head coach Kwesi Appiah used the F-word on him.
ââ¬ÅI was in a game between ranks and turned to Muntari, asking him if he was the referee. The Coach thought I was talking to him and that Iââ¬â¢d said something offensive,â⬠Boateng said.
ââ¬ÅAt that point, he started insulting me in front of everyone, despite the fact both I and Sulley had tried to explain the situation. All the other players heard.
ââ¬ÅI think Appiah had a problem with me and was only looking for a reason to send me away. To be honest, I was thrown out.
ââ¬ÅWhy did he send me away on Thursday if the incident in question happened the previous Sunday? I canââ¬â¢t explain it. If Iââ¬â¢d really done something wrong, why not take action on Monday?
ââ¬ÅI think it is really because I met with the President of the GFA for 20 minutes and asked where the money from FIFA had gone.
ââ¬ÅEveryone seems to think we live the high life. Obviously we are honoured to play for the National team, but the way we travel and our hotels... I donââ¬â¢t think theyââ¬â¢re spending money for our journeys.
ââ¬ÅI simply wanted to know where the money given to us by FIFA was going. If you look at the other teams, they can bring their families along, but for us it was a horrible experience.
ââ¬ÅThis is why we went out, as we only earned one point and it was impossible to do better in those circumstances.ââ¬
Boateng and his former AC Milan teammate Sulley Muntari were sacked hours before Ghanaââ¬â¢s final Group G match against Portugal.