Kaiserslautern release West

Germany's 1. FC Kaiserslautern announced today that they have released Nigerian defender Taribo West with immediate effect.

Health problems
Since returning from the African Cup of Nations in Mali in February, the Nigerian international has been unable to resume training due to health problems. After receiving confirmation from the club's medical staff that West would not be fit enough to train in the immediate future, the German club took the decision to release the player. It was mutually agreed that the 28-year old will be allowed to look for a new club despite having a contract which runs until 30 June 2004.
 
'Total disagreement'
Last week West was declared unfit for the league match against FC St. Pauli due to gastroenteritis. However, against the advice of the club's medical staff, the player went on a trip to Milan. Kaiserslautern chairman Jürgen Friedrich said: "When meeting with the player, we have underlined that we were in total disagreement with Taribo West's behaviour over the last few days." It is uncertain whether West will be available for selection by Nigeria for this summer's FIFA World Cup.