Hey has cited a lack of payment as a reason for his absence

Antoine Hey is to be replaced as Gambia coach after the German abandoned his post.

The 37-year-old refused to travel to the west African country for next week's African Nations Cup qualifier against Guinea because he is owed money.

The Gambia sports ministry said a search for a replacement would begin after the Group Eight match in Banjul on 24 March.

There was no formal contract between Hey and Gambia but rather an arrangement that he take charge of the team ahead of important matches, sports ministry secretary Sheik Omar Faye said.