Ghana suspends Boateng, Muntari from World Cup team

The decision takes immediate effect, the GFA said in two separate statements published on its website on the day of a must-win match against Portugal for a chance to qualify for the knock-out stages.

The association said Boateng had hurled vulgar insults at Appiah during a training session this week.

It added that Muntari, of AC Milan, was suspended over an "unprovoked physical attack" on a member of the association's executive committee and a management official on Tuesday.

"Boateng has since shown no remorse for his actions, which has resulted in the decision," the association said.

The two players have been stripped of their World Cup accreditation.

"I totally accept this. Yet no one should believe that I had insulted the trainer or that I have something to apologize for," Boateng told German newspaper Bild.

He said Appiah had asked Boateng to leave a training session after he and Muntari were laughing at a joke.

Boateng, who plays for German side Schalke, added that when he later approached Appiah to discuss what had happened, the coach insulted him and swore at him.

"I am leaving now and wish my colleagues all the best for the World Cup and the game against Portugal," Boateng added.