There was controversy in Senegal after President Macky Sall introduced the nation’s World Cup stars will likely be receiving their World Cup bonuses regardless of failing to achieve their pre-tournament goal.
That they had been tasked with reaching the quarter finals in Qatar after success on the African Cup of Nations, however had been knocked out within the spherical of 16 after a 3-0 loss to England.
For some ex-players, the choice meant praising mediocrity. In quotes carried by BBC Sport, former Portsmouth and Fulham striker Diomansy Kamara mentioned: ‘Should you win you have to be rewarded, however if you happen to lose you will need to be taught from it.’
Senegal’s World Cup stars will obtain bonuses regardless of not reaching the quarter finals
The choice was made by Senegalese president Macky Sall after the group had been knocked out
The Teranga Lions carried out admirably within the group stage in Qatar given they had been with out star striker Sadio Mane, however had been overcome by England in what turned out to be a snug win.
There was additionally frustration amongst athletes from different sports activities, as Olympian fencer Ndeye Binta Ndiongue instructed the BBC: ‘This yr, I received the bronze medal on the African championship and the bonuses are but to return my means.’
She added that, whereas she understood the significance of the sponsorship cash introduced in by soccer, it was ‘irritating’ to see a lot cash going to at least one sport.
Ndiongue additionally revealed {that a} continental gold medal is prone to being simply ‘£539′ for a Senegalese athlete, whereas the footballers’ bonuses are anticipated to be a lot larger.
Diomansy Kamara (left) felt the bonuses had been fallacious as: ‘if you happen to lose you will need to be taught’
Senegal misplaced 3-0 to England within the spherical of 16 after a formidable group stage efficiency
There have been additionally complaints from former triathlete Hamadel Ndiaye, who was ‘disturbed’ on the amount of cash given to followers travelling to Qatar provided that he needed to ‘wait till the final minute’ to seek out out whether or not he could be given the funding he wanted to compete.
Senegalese Sports activities Minister Yakhouba Diattara has hit again at claims of preferential therapy for soccer, as he mentioned: ‘There isn’t a sport we won’t assist’.
‘I believe the answer is to have a gathering yearly between the Olympic Nationwide Committee, the federal government and the completely different federations to arbitrate.
‘The sports activities that we imagine have an opportunity of successful medals will obtain funds. The others must wait.’
