Former Ghana defender Samuel Osei Kuffour has revealed he was sacked from Black Stars camp during the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations in Mali because he spoke against terrible living conditions endured by the team.

After Ghana's opening match at the tournament against Morocco, Kuffour was dismissed. There were speculation that he had broken camp rules by sneaking out to a night club.

However, 18 years on, the Bayern Munich legend has shared his side of the story, revealing that he paid the undeserved price for speaking the truth.

"Nobody was able to tell them that what they were doing was wrong, and I was so glad that the late Ben Kofi apologised to me after the competition,” Kuffour told GTV Sports plus.

“When he was launching his book I was there and he told me he was sorry. At my mother’s funeral he also apologized and said the way I was sacked from the camp was wrong."

He went on to address the speculation: “And they even said I went to the night Club which was not true because there was no night club even at where we were staying.

“I never regret being bold because I was concerned that some of the players could even catch some serious disease.

“Black Stars were eating by the road side, a chop bar, you can ask any player.

“Why did Michael Essien leave the camp and went back? Has anybody asked this question before? The players were not happy with the situation,” Kuffour concluded.

Ghana performed poorly as they exited the competition at the quarter-final stage after losing 1-0 to Nigeria.