EL-HADJI Diouf has slammed Senegal football chiefs as "amateurs" after leading a player boycott of tonight's international friendly.

The Wanderers striker, who is captain of the national team, pulled out of the Teranga Lions' game against Benin in France, which was only arranged at the weekend following the postponement of a scheduled home friendly against Angola.

Seven other squad members, including Diouf's Reebok team-mate, Abdoulaye Faye, also withdrew from the game, which is being staged by Rouen.

Diouf told a press conference in the Senegal capital, Dakar: "I can't continue to play in this environment.

"I believe there are professional standards which should be respected. My club haven't even received a fax saying I had to play a match in Rouen against Benin.

"Senegal football directors have shown amateurism.

"It is not respectful that, two days before a match against Angola, they call the coach to tell him that we are playing against Benin.

"This is not the way to treat professionals.

"They need to know where they must play and who they are playing and where they must gather, even before friendly matches."

Acknowledging that his protest raised doubts over his international future, Diouf said: "It is the coach who will decide. If he calls for me, I will come. If not, I will remain with my family.

"I want to be in a team where everyone draws in the same direction. If we continue to manage our football as we are doing, Senegal will never win the African Cup."

Tonight's Angola game was called off when police in Dakar said they could not provide security because of local elections, which are being held today.

Angola reacted furiously to the postponement, accusing their rivals of a "lack of professionalism" in leaving them no time to arrange an alternative fixture.