The 68-year-old German has had a bout of flu this week and had been wrangling over bonuses for the Sparrowhawks squad. But apparently he decided he had enough of the chaos surrounding the football association of the tiny African nation.

"He has left," midfielder Thomas Dossevi said. Pfister has been replaced until further notice by his former assistant Kodjovi Mawuena, said team officials who confirmed the ex-coach was now in Switzerland.

"He wanted the bonuses sorted out by June 10. It didn't happen and this is the consequence, explained Dossevi, who added that the squad had demanded €80,000 each but the federation's top offer had been €30,000. "He was crying when he told us. We are all stunned."

Pfister had been in charge for two matches after taking over from Stephen Keshi in February. "It's true, I've quite with immediate notice," Pfister said. "For me a dream has ended, but I have to be professional about it."

Another German coach with lots of experience in African is already being considered to take over the Togo side. Speaking with German ARD television, Winfried Schäfer said he had not yet had contact with Togolese officials except for telephone contact. "I'd gladly like lead the team for the duration of the World Cup. On my way back from the opening match in Munich I was told by telephone that the players have spoken up for me."