Black Stars coach Milovan Rajevac says the act of indiscipline exhibited by three Black Stars players Michael Essien, Sulley Ali Muntari and Asamoah Gyan - has incurred his displeasure, for which the appropriate punishment will be meted out to them.
He said aside the FA's own investigation and recommendations, he would soon come out with his prescribed punishment for the European-based players to save his image and stamp his authority on the team.
He told the Graphic Sports from Serbia on phone that his action was not in reaction to the public outcry, but to prevent its recurrence in the team. The coach would not state the form of the punishment as he appeared evasive, but insisted that the players would not go scot-free.
Essien, Sulley and Gyan in a dramatic fashion, sent emissaries one after another to the airport on Monday, November 16, to collect their passports without prior notice to either the coach or FA officials. The FA had sought permission from their respective clubs for them to feature for the Black Stars in their final qualification match against Mali at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, and also in an international friendly against Angola in Luanda to officially inaugurate one of the stadia for next January's Nations Cup.
The players' action stirred public condemnation, including a call by former FA boss Dr Nyaho-Nyaho Tamakloe, for their immediate dismissal from the team. Sports Minister Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo has also instructed the FA to investigate the incident and make appropriate recommendations.
The coach could not state how soon he would "strike", but noted that it would be done at his own time. He, however, indicated that he needed to be tactful not to disintegrate the team, aware that the nation has two very important tournaments - the Nations Cup and the World Cup - ahead.
