Schalke 04 have confirmed that Kevin-Prince Boateng and Sidney Sam have been released with ‘immediate effect’ by the Bundesliga outfit following their shock defeat to FC Koln on Sunday.
Versatile midfielder Marco Hoger has also been suspended from training and first-team fixtures until after their clash with Paderborn on Saturday 16 May.
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Schalke posted the astonishing news on their official website on Monday – with sporting director Horst Heldt furious with the trio in particular after the defeat left the team’s chances of competing in Europe next season uncertain.
The club released the following statement:
‘After the defeat on Sunday at 1. FC Köln had announced consequences Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt, now the first measures are laid down: Kevin-Prince Boateng and Sidney Sam are free with immediate effect. Marco Hoger is until Saturday Suspended from training and match.’
Sam’s career at the Veltins-Arena is already over – despite joining only last season and with three years remaining on his contract.
Meanwhile, Boateng had a year remaining on his deal, but will now be searching for a new club in the summer.
Schalke have registered just four league wins in 2015. They sit in sixth-place, and with Borussia Dortmund and Werder Bremen just two points behind, the Royal Blues could miss out on a place in the Europa League, which would sum up their dismal form in the second-half of the season.