PANJIM: Sporting Clube de Goa have released Nigeria international Koffi Dan Kowa just a week before the start of the I-League, Goal can reveal.

“Yes, we have released Kofi," Victor Fernandes, a senior official of the club confirmed on Tuesday.

Kofi, who had represented his Nation in the 2012 African Cup of Nations, was an integral part of the Sporting side that made it to the last four of the Federation Cup a week ago, despite conceding eight goals in four group games.

The defender, who represented Bidvest Wits in last year's top tier league in South Africa, is furious over the club's move.

Sources close to the player claimed that he had rejected a move to higher ranked Algeria to play in the I-League and is distraught after the club's decision.

Sporting start their I-League journey this weekend against East Bengal and have three foreigners - Anthony Wolfe, Ogba Kalu and Boima Karpeh on their roster.