German Bundesliga club Schalke 04 have made the decision to release Sidney Sam and Kevin-Prince Boateng following a 2-0 defeat to FC Cologne on the weekend.

Boateng started the game, before he was substituted in the 59th minute by Jefferson Farfan, while Sam was not even on the bench for the fixture.

According to a statement on the club’s official website, Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt explained  that the decision to release the players and suspend another was a direct result of their loss to Cologne.

The official statement read: “Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt announced there would be consequences after Sunday’s defeat away to 1. FC Köln and the first action has been taken: Kevin-Prince Boateng and Sidney Sam have been released with immediate effect.”

“Marco Höger is suspended from training and first-team action up to and including Saturday, 16th May,” the website added.

Born to a Nigerian father and German mother, Sam could have chosen to play for the Super Eagles, but instead opted to represent Germany. He has played a handful of games for the national team.

Kevin-Prince Boateng was also born in Germany, but decided to represent Ghana, though he has had his fair share of controversy with the Black Stars, representing them at the 2010 World Cup and then retiring after the tournament only to return before the 2014 edition, only to be sent home during the tournament along with Sulley Muntari for bad conduct.

Kevin-Prince Boateng, who is a former AC Milan midfielder, has been struggling with injuries this year, and he has not been able to contribute his usual best to German club side Schalke as a result.

The 28-year-old talented midfielder is the subject of interest from MLS side New York Red Bulls, where fellow Ghanaian Lloyd Sam plays. Jerome Boateng’s half brother is also reportedly considered a target by a few Italian clubs and especially Turkish giants Galatasaray, according to Gazzetta Dello Sport.