Togo chaos harmed country's image, says coach

WANGEN, Germany, June 15 (Reuters) Togo's image is likely to have suffered from the chaos surrounding the West African country's World Cup debut, coach Otto Pfister said today.

''Of course that (has not been) good for the image of the country but if I had not reacted then the players may still not be playing now. It was a logical reaction for me to take,'' Pfister said in a news conference.

Pfister walked out last week, saying he could not work as his team boycotted training in a pay row with officials.

However, after pleas from his players, Pfister returned to steer the team through their World Cup debut, a 2-1 defeat by South Korea on Tuesday.

The build-up to the game had been chaotic.

Togo had quickly promoted assistant Kodjovi Mawuena to the top job and then held long negotiations with former Cameroon coach Winfried Schaefer. But those stalled on Monday as the officials would not meet Schaefer's conditions.

And after Pfister's return to the squad, the secretary general of the Togolese FA criticised Pfister. However, now Pfister, a German, looks set to stay for the World Cup.

In a country where the average per capita income is well below 1,000 dollars, officials have said player demands for bonuses of 155,000 euros (196,200 dollars) each to play in the World Cup plus 30,000 each per win and 15,000 per draw were too high.

Today, officials said a solution had been found but refused to give details. Players after a training session said they would play even without the money.

''I was told a decision has been found. The players are training again,'' Pfister said, refusing further comment.

Togo next play Switzerland on June 19 in Dortmund and Pfister said he knew the opponents well.

''I know them inside out. If everyone one is fit, it should be no surprise how they play,'' Pfister said.

''I now have to work out (the tactics) of how to beat them.

For Togo, this is the last chance.'' Injured defender Ludovic Assemoassa, who had torn a ligament in his knee during the side's 1-2 defeat against South Korea on Tuesday, would be out for the next six to eight months, team doctor Joachim Schubert said.

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