Queens to boycott tourney? — Issue bonus ultimatum

Ghana's senior female football team, the Black Queens, have threatened to boycott their preparations towards the African Women's Championship (AWC) and possibly the continental tournament, if their qualification bonus is not paid by tomorrow, August 30.

The Queens have been at their Prampram camp since July preparing for the October 11-25 tournament in Namibia, but with their qualification bonus yet to be paid, the players have developed cold feet over their preparation.

The issue of qualification bonus also reared its head in the Queens camp this week, with the players demanding that the bonus earned over the four matches won be paid immediately.

"We are not concerned about qualification or winning bonus. All we want is our money. The Maidens suffered delay in payment. The Princesses have also suffered the same fate and what is due them is being denied them with this technicality over qualification or winning bonus,” said one of the players on condition of anonymity. 

"We have always been given this kind of treatment when it comes to the payment of bonuses and allowances. 

"Anytime we ask, the coach and the assistant, as well as management members, they always tell us to be patient. We have been patient since May when we qualified, now our patience is running out and we will no longer train if the money is not paid by August 30," said another player, in an interview with the Graphic Sports.

Indeed, last Tuesday, the players almost boycotted training but rescinded their decision with the timely intervention of the head coach, Yussif Basigi and his technical team.

The coach, who confirmed the threat from the players, was worried that the situation had also affected the morale in camp.

"It is a worrying situation which must be addressed as soon as possible to avert any problem with our plans towards the Nations Cup.”

Checks by the Graphic Sports indicated that the Youth and Sports Minister, Mahama Ayariga, held a meeting with the team’s management last Wednesday and promised to resolve all issues in respect of payment of bonuses to all the national teams.