The players, most of whom play on small European clubs, had been seeking euro158,000 (US$200,000) each _ or euro3.6 million (US$4.6 million) _ to play in the tournament, plus euro30,800 (US$39,000) each per win and euro15,800 (US$20,000) per draw.

While each team is guaranteed 7 million Swiss francs (US$5.7 million, euro4.5 million) from FIFA just for playing in the World Cup, the average income in the coffee-and-yam-growing West African nation is less than euro316 (US$400) per year.

The squad traveled to Dortmund only after FIFA intervened. Soccer officials warned that if the team boycotted Sunday's training and Monday's match it would be disqualified from the World Cup and face further sanctions from the disciplinary committee.

No team has ever boycotted a World Cup match since the tournament began in 1930.

Herren said "various levels" of FIFA delegates were involved in the negotiations, advising the players, "if you don't travel, it could be the worst thing you could do."

The Togolese squad arrived at their hotel Sunday afternoon. A training session originally scheduled for 3:30 p.m. was delayed until 8 p.m. Under FIFA rules, all teams must arrive at the stadium one day ahead of a match.

The boycott threats came as a surprise. At a news conference Saturday, players said that although the bonus row had not been settled, they wanted to concentrate on soccer. Players and Pfister alike insisted that morale was high and that the team was determined to cause an upset against the more favored Swiss and defend the honor of the West African nation.

After last week's opening match, a top federation official labled Pfister as an alcoholic and a traitor.

Pfister is now considering legal action, saying he doesn't touch alcohol and needs to defend his reputation.