Kanoute set to swap Spurs for Mali
LONDON, England -- Tottenham striker Frederic Kanoute says he will play for Mali at next month's African Nations Cup, despite the English Premier League club's protests.
"I should be going with Mali," Kanoute told the London Evening Standard. "I have decided to play for them and I have told the club."
But Tottenham coach David Pleat said it was in Kanoute's interests to stay in England.
"His decision to play for Mali has not been confirmed," Pleat told the newspaper.
"The matter is complicated but it is a tester for him whether he wants to stay and fight.
"I don't think there is any way we can stop him going. We will have to see how the situation develops but obviously it is not in Freddie's or the club's interests for him to go."
Kanoute has scored seven goals this season for Tottenham, who slipped into the relegation zone following Sunday's 1-0 home defeat by London rivals Charlton.
