Ghana’s love-hate relationship with the touchy issue of bonuses continue as its Football Association denies yet another rumour in the local media.
The latest wildfire story is that after the Black Stars beat the Cranes on Tuesday, the West African nation’s sports ministry increased bonuses for the team. This, the GFA says, is false.
“The MOYS debunks figures by a section of the media claiming to be #BlackStars budget for #AFCON2017 . #BlackStars focused only on winning,” the FA tweeted on its official account.
The issue of bonuses is a very thorny one in Ghana, with fans largely adamant that the team has taken too much over the years with little return in terms of silverware. In the last ten years, Ghana’s teams at major tournaments have taken from between $6,000 and $15,000.
The debacle in Brazil, where players forced authorities to airlift more than $3 million to pay their bonuses at the World Cup, proved to be a turning point. Fans have markedly shown disinterest in the team’s affairs in the intervening period, leaving the players feeling unloved and without backing.
Which is why before this Afcon, the players’ move to accept any amount the state could offer was welcome. But fans have been largely cautious about returning their love for the team.