Sudan Coach Kwesi Appiah Reportedly Boycotts Training Due to Unpaid Salaries

James Kwesi Appiah, the head coach of the Sudan national football team, has allegedly boycotted the team’s ongoing training camp due to unpaid salaries, according to reports from AfricaSoccer.com.

The Sudan national football team, also known as the Falcons of Jediane, is currently based in Saudi Arabia for a 12-day training camp, where they are preparing for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers, which are scheduled to take place later this month. However, Appiah, who has been managing the team since 2021, has reportedly refused to join the camp until his outstanding salary payments are settled by the Sudan Football Association (SFA).

The situation has caused some tension between the coach and the football authorities, as Appiah’s decision to stay away from the training camp is seen as a direct result of unresolved financial issues. Sources suggest that the coach’s frustration stems from several months of unpaid wages, which he believes have been ignored despite his repeated requests for resolution.

Adding to the tension, Appiah reportedly declined to meet with Osama Atta Al-Mannan, the Vice President of the Sudan Football Association, following Al-Mannan’s visit to Ghana. The Sudan FA had hoped to engage with the coach during the visit to discuss the financial matters and come to a mutual agreement. However, Appiah’s absence from the meeting only deepened the rift, indicating how serious the situation has become.

The former Ghana national football team coach, who also previously managed the Sudan team with a focus on their World Cup aspirations, is known for his commitment to his teams. However, the lack of compensation for his work seems to have put a significant strain on his relationship with the Sudan FA.

Despite the ongoing challenges, the Sudan Football Association has reportedly acknowledged the situation and is working diligently to resolve the issue. The football governing body is said to be in discussions with Appiah to address the salary arrears and find a way to resume normal operations for the team’s training and preparation for the upcoming qualifiers.

The issue of unpaid salaries has been a long-standing challenge for some African national teams, and it is not uncommon for coaches to take a stand on such matters when they feel their contractual agreements have not been honored. This situation has highlighted the financial difficulties that the Sudan FA faces, especially in terms of meeting the commitments made to foreign coaches who take up high-profile positions with the team.

For Appiah, this latest dispute marks another chapter in his career filled with challenges and triumphs. The coach, who previously led Ghana to the 2014 World Cup, had a highly respected tenure with the Black Stars before moving to Sudan. His appointment as head coach of Sudan was seen as a step forward for the team, which is looking to make strides in African football. However, this current issue raises concerns about the financial stability of the Sudan FA and its ability to retain and motivate foreign coaches in the future.

While the Sudan FA is working to resolve the financial difficulties, there is still uncertainty about how long the dispute will continue and whether it will affect the team’s preparation for their World Cup qualifiers. The Falcons of Jediane are set to play crucial matches in their bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, and the absence of their head coach during training could potentially impact their performance and readiness.

As of now, both sides have yet to come to a resolution, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming days. The Sudan FA will be under increasing pressure to resolve the financial issues quickly, especially as the World Cup qualifiers draw nearer, with both the coach and the players relying on timely preparations to compete at the highest level.