Despite billions of debts, Senegal rewards its “African Champions” players with money and coastal lands

Senegalese President Basserou Diomai Faye offered rewards of more than $130,000 in addition to plots of coastal land to each member of the national team after its victory in the African Football Cup of Nations last Sunday at the expense of Morocco.

Fay spoke during a ceremony held in the capital, Dakar, on Tuesday evening, where thousands of jubilant fans took to the streets to welcome the returning Teranga Lions ⁠with the title.

Morocco lost 0-1 after two extra periods to Senegal in the final in Rabat, but the home side had the chance to win the title after winning a penalty kick in the final moments of regular time.

The Senegalese players left the field angrily in protest against the Video Assistant Referee’s decision to award Morocco a penalty kick for drawing striker Brahim Diaz, who missed the kick after having to wait about 14 minutes before the Senegalese team returned to resume play.

Earlier, Senegal players boarded a bus with the words “African Champions” written on it along the Dakar Corniche towards the presidential palace.

The total bonuses amount to 75 million CFA francs ($134,892.09) for each of the team’s 28 players, meaning a total of 2.1 billion CFA francs, or $3.7 million. Players will also receive plots of land of 1,500 square meters each.

In addition, Faye said that members of the Senegalese Football Federation will receive 50 million CFA francs and a plot of land with an area of ​​1,000 square meters, while members of the Senegalese delegation to Morocco will receive 20 million CFA francs and a plot of land with an area of ​​500 square meters.

He added that the employees of the Ministry of Sports will receive bonuses amounting to 305 million CFA francs.

Senegal suffers from debt problems

These pledges come at a time when Senegal suffers from debts that the International Monetary Fund said amounted to 132 percent of GDP at the end of 2024, after the current leadership revealed billions in debts that were not reported by the previous administration.

The Fund froze a $1.8 billion lending program due to the debt controversy, forcing Senegal to rely heavily on regional debt auctions to meet its financing needs.

The new IMF mission head also made an introductory visit to Senegal this week.