While Ghana reached the quarterfinals by beating the United States, the continent's five other World Cup representatives — including host South Africa — exited at the group stage.

Some blamed too much individualism, some blamed less focus on team discipline.

But Ghana will accept no disorder within its squad — even if the chief culprit so far is a star such as Muntari, who won the Champions League with Inter Milan.

The midfielder reportedly abused Ghana's coach after a group stage draw with Australia and only appeared in the closing minutes of the 2-1 second-round victory over the United States on Saturday, which clinched Ghana's quarterfinal meeting with Uruguay.

Ghana Football Association president Kwesi Nyantakyi said adopting such a firm approach with Muntari was a sign of growing professionalism in both the national team and domestic competition setups.

"Having discipline dovetails into the performance of the team," Nyantakyi said. "There is discipline. We have a code of conduct for players: they have to wake up at this time; they have to train at this time. So many rules and regulations.

"Muntari wasn't left out, he was reprimanded and if he misbehaves again he will be thrown out." Nyantakyi said the one set of rules apply to everyone in the squad.

"Even though (Muntari) didn't leave the camp he is reformed now and others know not to commit the same offense," Nyantakyi said. "So we have achieved our objective." Muntari's absence in the extra-time win over the United States may have cost him a place in Friday's quarterfinal against Uruguay, with coach Milan Rajevac telling the AP through a translator that "usually you don't change a winning team."