Perugia have suspended the wages of Ahn, who was initially told he would not be welcomed back after scoring the goal which knocked Italy out of the World Cup.

Ahn has been on loan at the Italian club for the past two seasons from his Korean club Pusan I.cons.

Perugia president Luciano Gaucci controversially told Ahn he would 'never set foot in Perugia again' after his golden goal header knocked Italy out.

Gaucci then softened his stance and took up the �1.2m option to buy Ahn on a contract until 2005.

But that is now in jeopardy after Ahn failed to turn up for pre-season training, with Perugia claiming he had sent three faxes saying he had no intention of returning to the Umbrian team.

A statement on Perugia's website said: "In a few words, in the coming season Ahn will not receive one Euro or one dollar if he does not come here and undergo his medical and put himself at the disposition of our coach."

"The option has been taken up and therefore the player should be considered to all effects a registered player of Perugia."

Perugia will try and cash in on Ahn's success at the finals by selling him.

But the issue has been further clouded by Pusan's claims that they have not received the transfer fee, despite Perugia insisting that it has been paid.

The Italian club's statement added: "Any eventual destination for Ahn with another club needs to have the necessary agreement of Perugia.

"Otherwise no transfer can be considered valid."