Faye addressed the public on Tuesday night at a ceremony in the capital Dakar, during which thousands of enthusiastic fans took to the streets to welcome the victorious Teranga Lions.
In the final, Senegal defeated hosts Morocco with a score of 1:0 after extra time, after the Senegalese players left the field in stoppage time due to a penalty awarded against them. After returning to the field, the Moroccans did not take advantage of the penalty, and Pape Gueye then brought Senegal the trophy with a great goal four minutes into extra time.
African champions
Earlier in the day, Senegalese national team players rode a bus emblazoned with the words “African Champions” along the coast of Dakar, heading towards the presidential palace.
Each of the 28 players will receive a bonus of 75 million CFA francs (about 223,600 KM), which in total amounts to 2.1 billion CFA francs, which is more than 6 million KM. In addition, each player will be assigned a plot of land measuring 1,500 square meters.
In addition, President Faye announced that the members of the Football Association of Senegal will each receive 50 million CFA francs (about 150,000 KM) and plots of 1,000 square meters, while the members of the Senegalese delegation in Morocco will be rewarded with 20 million CFA francs (about 60,000 KM) and plots of 500 square meters. The personnel of the Ministry of Sports will be paid a total of 305 million CFA francs (about 910,000 KM) in bonuses.
Senegal under the burden of debts
These promises come at a time when Senegal is facing serious public debt problems. The International Monetary Fund said the country’s debt reached 132 percent of gross domestic product at the end of 2024, after the new government uncovered billions of dollars in previously undeclared liabilities from the previous administration.
As a result, the IMF froze a $1.8 billion loan program, forcing Senegal to rely heavily on regional debt auctions to secure financing. The new head of the IMF mission is in Senegal this week as part of his first official visit.
“Dear Lions, you have honored the flag entrusted to you. You have honored Senegal. You have shown by your example that when the Senegalese people move forward together, with discipline and self-confidence, no challenge is unattainable,” said Faye, speaking from the stage in front of the presidential palace.
Senegal won the African Cup of Nations for the first time in 2021, defeating Egypt in the final. Then the players were rewarded with bonuses of 50 million CFA francs (about 150,000 KM) and plots of 200 square meters each.
The president of the African Football Confederation Patrice Motsepe said earlier that the winner of the 35th edition of the tournament in Morocco will also receive a prize of 10 million dollars (a little less than 17 million KM).
(Vijesti.ba)
