Adebayor turns down Togo recall to focus on club future

Lome (AFP) - Crystal Palace striker Emmanuel Adebayor has turned down a recall to the Togo national team ahead of this month's Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers to focus on his club future.

Togo are due to face Tunisia on March 25 in Monastir, before hosting the same opponents four days later as they bid to qualify for next year's tournament in Gabon.

"The new FTF (Federation of Togolese Football) president has taken steps that allow him to meet and interact directly or indirectly with the national team players," FTF secretary-general Pierre Lamadokou told AFP on Tuesday.

"Emmanuel Adebayor, for his part, while agreeing with the president's approach, wished to postpone his return to the national team to devote himself to his uncertain situation with his club Crystal Palace.

"The federation duly notes his decision and remains optimistic about his quick return to the national team set-up," he added.

Adebayor, 32, joined Palace in January until the end of the season, having been without a club following his release from Tottenham Hotspur last September.

Adebayor played for Togo at the 2006 World Cup, their only appearance at the tournament, but has made himself unavailable for selection on several occasions and criticised the "chaos" in the FTF.

He last played for Togo in June last year, but FTF officials remain hopeful he will eventually rejoin the team.

"We haven't broken off contact with Adebayor," added Lamadokou.

Togo are top of Group A with six points from two matches, with the group winners advancing to the finals.