The situation is tense in the Guinea camp before the AFCON 2023 Round of 16 against Equatorial Guinea. After demanding and finally receiving their qualification bonus, the players now wish to receive much more, similar to other qualified teams.
Will the issue of bonuses ever end in Africa? Following Gambia’s spectacle before the start of the AFCON 2023, where they refused to train and travel to Ivory Coast over bonus issues, Guinea Conakry is now in the spotlight. Since Thursday, it has been reported that Kaba Diawara’s players have refused to train due to a disagreement over the qualification bonus for the Round of 16. Despite the arrival of the agreed sum, the Guinean players refuse to sign and are demanding even more.
The bidding of Guinean players
It’s a story that doesn’t surprise much but tarnishes the image of African football. In the midst of the AFCON 2023 competition, with the Round of 16 starting this Saturday, Guinea stands out. Qualified for the Round of 16 of the AFCON 2023 with 4 points, just like Cameroon and Senegal (9 points) in Group C, the Syli de Guinée is embroiled in a major contradiction over bonuses. After demanding their $10,000 qualification bonus (approximately 6 million FCFA) or refusing to return to training, the players are now escalating their demands.
While the Ministry of Sports brought the $10,000 to the hotel on Thursday night, Guinea’s players, who had meanwhile exchanged with teammates playing for Cameroon, Mali, Senegal, etc., have changed their minds. According to reports, they learned that their counterparts from other teams had already received their qualification bonuses for the Round of 16. This news angered some players who not only received nothing before going on strike but also realized they have one of the lowest bonuses in the tournament.
The violated agreement
Therefore, these players refused to sign for the receipt of their $10,000 bonuses and are now demanding a minimum of $30,000 as a qualification bonus for the Round of 16 of the CAN 2023. According to information from mediaguinée citing an official document, Kaba Diawara’s players are violating an agreement with the state. Indeed, according to this document, the bonuses are predetermined by mutual agreement. So, before the start of the AFCON 2023, the qualification bonus for the Round of 16 is set at $10,000 for both players and the technical staff, not $30,000 (over 18 million FCFA).
Unless there is a willingness from the state to increase this amount, no changes can be demanded. Currently, the situation seems tense in the camp of the Guinea National Team, with players snubbing the money brought by the sports minister. According to mediaguinée, Naby Keita, the veteran of the group, allegedly blamed for leading the movement, is not involved. The former Liverpool player is reportedly against his other teammates who are determined to secure better financial treatment during the AFCON.
In any case, it’s an unfortunate situation for the Guinean team, which will have a tough challenge against Equatorial Guinea next Sunday at 17:00 GMT at the Olympique Alassane Ouattara Stadium. Already entangled in bonus issues for years, this new episode in the midst of the AFCON could disrupt team cohesion significantly. It remains to be seen whether the situation will improve by then and if the protesters will calm down to focus exclusively on football.
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