Ghana hit back at Fulham

The Ghana Football Association have warned Roy Hodgson that they will not bow to his demands regarding John Pantsil.

The Fulham boss is disappointed to hear that his full-back will be expected to report for Africa Cup of Nations duty on 27th December, 24 hours before a crunch clash with Chelsea.

Angered by the lack of foresight used in such a decision, Hodgson has announced that he fully expects to have Pantsil available for the Blues encounter.

This, however, would contravene Fifa rules which stipulate countries can call upon players for training camps held 14 days before the start of a tournament.

Fulham would therefore run the risk of having any points they take from the Chelsea contest docked from their tally should they field Pantsil.

Ghana are well aware of their rights and have hit back at Hodgson for behaving in a manner they feel is 'unprofessional'.

Power

"He cannot just go and say that. I am surprised that a man of his standing is taking this stance," a Ghana FA spokesman said.

"Mr Hodgson does not determine what the law is. He doesn't have the power to breach the law."

One solution to the problem could be for Fulham to reach an agreement with the Ghana FA which would allow Pantsil to report for pre-tournament training later than scheduled, but that option now appears unlikely.

"The laws are clear and we have to go about it in a professional matter," the spokesman continued.

"The issue here is flexibility. To go out and take that position in public through the media he is being a bit unprofessional."