Stange gives Kutuzov 24-hour deadline

Belarus football squad manager Bernd Stange is today expected to sort out his relations with Italy's Pisa striker Vitali Kutuzov in a telephone conversation. Kutuzov said earlier that he would not be able to come to Belarus to play Luxembour in a Euro'2008 qualifier. His reasoning was that the game meant nothing for Belarus's perspectives, while Pisa had gained a good momentum in the Italian football league. Kutuzov also cited family problems in a fax that he sent to the Belarusian Footbal Federation.

Belarus manager Stange yesterday faxed to Kutuzov, stressing that he respected the player's position "but could not allow players to decide for themselves whether to attend or not the teams's international games". Stange once again requested Kutuzov to join the national squad against Luxembourg.

The German coach also said that if Kutozov refused, "the Belarusian Football Federation would not be interested in his services any longer". Stange gave the strike a 24-hour deadline which expires today on Friday, writes Pressball newspaper.