Karim Okanla BBC Sport Online in Cotonou

Police in Belgium are hot on the heels of Benin star player Moufou Liamidi who went missing during a training tour of the national team.

The vice-chairman of the Benin Football Federation said that the Belgian authorities were notified after the player missed his lunch.

Moucharaf Anjorin noticed Liamidi had defected before the Squirrels played a warm-up match against Anderlecht on 13 August.

"This is a behaviour we don't want to condone."

Intensive preparations

The Benin FA has reported the matter to Fifa and Caf.

Benin returned to Cotonou last weekend after playing six matches.

The Squirrels lost four and won two games, including a 3-1 victory over Anderlecht.

However, despite the four defeats, many fans are happy with the preparations, which was normally non-existent.

The federation intends to invite 12 foreign-based players for two friendlies against Nigerian and Ghanaian clubs are being planned.

Benin face Tanzania in a 2004 African Nations Cup qualifying match on 8 September.

Benin have never qualified for the Nations Cup, which next takes place in Tunisia.