Senegal's Afcon Champions Rewarded with Cash and Land Amid Economic Concerns
Senegal's national football team has been honoured with lavish rewards following their dramatic Africa Cup of Nations triumph, despite the country facing significant economic challenges. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye announced substantial bonuses and valuable coastal land plots for each squad member during a celebratory ceremony in Dakar on Tuesday night.
Controversial Victory and Presidential Recognition
The Lions of Teranga secured their second Afcon title with a controversial 1-0 victory over Morocco after extra time on Sunday. The match was marked by dramatic moments when Senegal staged a walk-off after a penalty was awarded against them deep into stoppage time. Morocco subsequently missed the spot-kick before Pape Gueye sealed the trophy with a superb strike just four minutes into extra time.
Thousands of jubilant supporters lined the streets of Dakar to welcome home their victorious heroes earlier on Tuesday as players paraded atop a bus emblazoned with "African champions" along the city's corniche towards the presidential palace.
Substantial Financial and Property Rewards
Each of the squad's 28 players will receive generous compensation for their achievement:
- 75 million CFA francs (approximately £106,000) in cash bonuses
- 1,500 square-metre plots of coastal land
The total payout for players alone amounts to 2.1 billion CFA francs, equivalent to around £3.1 million. Additional rewards have been allocated to other members of the football community:
- Members of Senegal's football federation will receive 50 million CFA francs and 1,000 square-metre plots
- The Senegalese delegation to Morocco will get 20 million CFA francs and 500 square-metre plots
- Sports ministry staff are set to receive 305 million CFA francs in bonuses
Economic Context and National Debt Concerns
This significant expenditure comes at a time when Senegal grapples with considerable national debt challenges. The International Monetary Fund projected the country's debt would reach 132% of GDP by the end of 2024, creating economic pressures that contrast with these substantial sporting rewards.
The current administration has uncovered billions in debts reportedly not disclosed by the previous government, leading to the IMF freezing a $1.8 billion lending programme. This development has forced Senegal to rely heavily on regional debt auctions to manage its financial obligations.
A new IMF mission chief visited Senegal this week for introductory talks, highlighting ongoing economic discussions as these substantial football rewards are distributed.
Presidential Praise and Historical Context
Addressing the triumphant team during the celebratory ceremony, President Faye stated: "Dear Lions, you have honoured the flag entrusted to you. You have honoured Senegal. You have shown by example that when Senegalese people move forward together with discipline and confidence, no challenge is beyond their reach."
This victory marks Senegal's second Africa Cup of Nations title, having previously won the tournament in 2021 by beating Egypt in the final. Players from that earlier triumph received 50 million CFA francs and 200 square-metre plots of land, making the current rewards substantially more generous.
Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football, announced in December that the winners of the 35th edition in Morocco would receive $10 million in prize money, adding to the financial benefits flowing to Senegal's football community.
