Former Black Stars midfielder Derek Boateng has recounted how Kevin-Prince Boateng was excluded from the national team camp in 2011 ahead of a high-profile friendly against England.
Speaking in an interview with Sporty FM, the ex-Fulham star explained that Kevin-Prince had declined an invitation to join the Black Stars for an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Congo, only to resurface when Ghana was preparing to face England in a friendly.
According to Derek Boateng, the player’s decision did not sit well with members of the squad and sections of the technical team, who collectively agreed that he should not feature in the match against the Three Lions.
“We went to Congo or something to play a qualifier. Kevin-Prince Boateng was invited, but he didn’t show up. Then the next game we were playing against England, he came to the hotel. We made sure that he had to be out of the squad. He would not play,” he recounted.
He described the decision as one based on principle, stressing that the team could not accept what they considered a lack of commitment.
“We cannot go and play an Africa Cup qualifier and then come to England and you show up because you want to play. Now you are good? Nah, it will not happen,” he added.
Boateng’s comments come amid renewed debate over the possible inclusion of foreign-based players who previously declined to represent Ghana, as the Black Stars build towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The former international opposed the idea, singling out players such as Eddie Nketiah and Callum Hudson-Odoi, and arguing that calling up such players would be unfair and potentially harmful to team unity.
