Ghana have told Fulham Football Club manager Roy Hodgson that John Pantsil must join their African Cup of Nations squad on December 27.

The Cottagers boss expected to have the defender available to face Chelsea on December 28, but th Ghanaian Football Association insist the player report for duty 24 hours earlier.

“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. The laws are clear and we have to go about it in a professional matter. To go out and take that position in public he is being a bit unprofessional."

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