FA Fines, Essien, Muntari And Gyan

The Ghana Football Association has handed $5,000 fine each on Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari and Asamoah Gyan for absenting themselves from an international friendly against Angola last month. The three Black Stars players went AWOL on the day of travel for the game in Luanda even though permission had been sought from their clubs and it was also fixed on a Fifa matchday for friendly matches. Aside the monetary fine, the players are to apologise to the Technical team and players of the Black Stars within a seven-day period effective Wednesday, December 9, 2009. "The Ghana Football Association wishes to announce that after giving hearing to Black Stars players Messrs Sulley Muntari, Michael Essien and Asamoah Gyan; it became evident that the players have shown remorse for their actions. "Therefore after considering their interest as professional footballers and that of Ghana football, the following decisions have been taken which have to be complied with within seven (7) days effective 9th December, 2009; � That the Players are to apologise to the Technical team and players of the Black Stars. � That each person is to pay a fine of Five Thousand United States Dollars ($5000) each," an FA statement read. The Black Stars trio were given a hearing by the FA following their absence from the team that traveled to Angola. Essien and Gyan made public their apology to the GFA explaining their difficulties in playing in the said friendly and pleaded for clemency.