Senegal will receive incentives and land for winning the Africa Cup of Nations
Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has announced bonuses exceeding $130,000 and plots of coastal land for each member of the national soccer team in recognition of their triumph in the Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco on Sunday.
He addressed a gathering in the capital Dakar on Tuesday night, where thousands of enthusiastic supporters flooded the streets to celebrate the triumphant return of the Lions of Teranga.
Senegal triumphed over hosts Morocco with a score of 1-0 after extra time, following a walk-off protest against a penalty awarded to their opponents deep into stoppage time at the conclusion of the regular 90 minutes.
Following the return of the Senegal players to the pitch, Morocco failed to convert the penalty, and Pape Gueye clinched the trophy with an outstanding strike just four minutes into extra time.
On Tuesday, the Senegal players celebrated by riding atop a bus marked with the phrase “African champions” as they made their way along Dakar’s corniche towards the presidential palace.
The bonuses amounting to 75 million CFA francs ($134,892.09) for each of the 28 players in the squad sum up to a total of 2.1 billion CFA francs, equivalent to $3.7 million. The players will additionally be granted plots of land measuring 1,500 square metres.
Furthermore, Faye mentioned that members of Senegal’s soccer federation would be awarded 50 million CFA francs along with 1,000 square-metre plots, whereas members of the Senegalese delegation to Morocco would receive 20 million CFA francs and 500 square-metre plots.
He stated that the staff of the sports ministry would be awarded bonuses totaling 305 million CFA francs.
SENEGAL ENCOUNTERS DEBT CHALLENGES
The pledges arrive as Senegal faces significant debts, which the International Monetary Fund indicated reached 132% of GDP by the end of 2024, following the current leadership’s discovery of billions in debts that had not been disclosed by the prior administration.
The IMF suspended a $1.8 billion lending programme due to the controversy, compelling Senegal to depend significantly on regional debt auctions to fulfill its financing requirements.
This week, the new IMF mission chief made an introductory visit to Senegal.
“Dear Lions, you have upheld the flag entrusted to you.” Senegal has been honored by you. Faye stated on Tuesday, addressing an audience in front of the presidential palace, “You have demonstrated that when the people of Senegal unite with discipline and confidence, no challenge is insurmountable.”
In 2021, Senegal claimed their inaugural Africa Cup of Nations title by defeating Egypt in the final match. In the past, players received bonuses totaling 50 million CFA francs along with 200 square-metre parcels of land.
In December, Patrice Motsepe, the president of the Confederation of African Football, announced that the champions of the 35th edition in Morocco would be awarded $10 million in prize money.
