Libreville, Gabon - Democratic Republic of Congo players have refused to train ahead of their opening Africa Cup of Nations match against Morocco in a dispute over pay.
Norwich City midfielder Yousuf Mulumbu, the DR Congo captain, said the squad boycotted Friday training in a dispute over match bonuses.
"It has been the same for years and years. We prepare well for our matches and in the end there is always a problem over bonuses," he said on Twitter (translated from french).
"Having said that, on January 16 we will fiercely defend our flag," in the team's opening match against Morocco.
Certaines situations sont à déplorer ceci dit le16 janvier nous allons défendre fièrement notre drapeau #243#uniscommeun#leopards pic.twitter.com/1oQ4EG6yE2
— Youssouf Mulumbu (@mulumbuofficial) January 13, 2017
Another team appearing in the the tournament which opens Saturday, Zimbabwe, initially refused to fly to host nation Gabon in a dispute over bonuses which has since been resolved.