Sports Minister, Rashid Pelpuo, has decribed the conduct of Black Stars' three musketeers, Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari and Asamoah Gyan, as unacceptable, signalling the kind of punishment which could be awaiting the 'rebels' in the coming days.

Upon the instructions of the Minister, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has already begun investigations into why the three players took French leave prior to the Stars' departure to Angola for the international friendly with Angola in Luanda on Wednesday.

The Hollywood-style drama reportedly delayed the Chartered flight unnecessarily on Monday night as team officials waited impatiently for the three players till they eventually sent emmisaries, one after the other, to the Airport to request for their passports much to the surprise of Coach Milovan Rajevac and other members of the delegation.

"This is simply unacceptable, especially at such a crucial time where the team is preparing for two major tournaments like the Africa Nations Cup and the World Cup," the Minister fumed.

Rashid Pelpuo told the Graphic Sports yesterday that though he tried to intervene after he was briefed on the matter by the FA President, Kwesi Nyantakyi, he failed to make a headway as the phones of the players were off at the time.

"It is too early to pass judgement. I have asked the FA to investigate the matter, and I can only give my comment after receiving the final report".

He stressed that though the players failed to travel with the team to Angola, it was only fair that they were given the chance to tell their side of the story.

He, however, noted that since the team's successes were as a result of the adherence to the code of discipline by the players, there was the need to ensure complete discipline and respect for the coach and the other team officials.

"We don't pay money for nothing. Players are supposed to seek permission from the coach, and if it is not given, you don't take liberties to do your own thing", the Minister put it bluntly.

In a related development, the Minister hinted that he would summon the coach and the FA officials immediately after the Black Stars return from Angola to answer questions on the team's poor outing against Mali in Kumasi last Sunday.

"We weren't impressed with the team's performance last Sunday because it didn't reflect the capabilities of the Black Stars we know. We need to talk to the coach to find out what went wrong and how to address the issues which come up", he revealed.

The Stars drew 2-2 with Mali at home in their final World Cup/Africa Cup qualifier and held Angola to a goalless draw in Luanda with a second string side.