Footballers agree to forfeit bonuses
Players reach a deal to donate €3m to amateur football after their disastrous World Cup performance
THE FRENCH football squad has agreed to forego €3m in bonuses after a disappointing World Cup performance this summer.
L'Equipe reported last week that the players had wanted to keep the money, despite captain Patrice Evra's pledge to forfeit the bonuses.
French Football Federation president Fernand Duchaussoy announced yesterday, ahead of tonight's friendly with England, that a deal had now been reached and the cash would instead be invested in amateur football.
He told reporters: "We met with the players to put things right. The players have confirmed that they are willing to give up any bonuses from partners and sponsors from the World Cup and the warm-up games, which amounts to the sum of €3m.
"This amount will be given in its entirety to grass-roots and amateur football in France. I would say that the subject is now closed and we can now concentrate on this fantastic game at Wembley."
France were eliminated in the first round of the World Cup in South Africa. Their campaign was punctuated by a players' strike and arguments with then-coach Raymond Domenech.
The FFF is locked in a battle with Domenech, who is said to be claiming nearly €3m for unfair dismissal.
France play England tonight at Wembley. The match will be screened live on TF1 from 20.45.
Les Bleus will play in a special strip that features the dates of the team's three major international victories - 1984, 1998 and 2000.
The strip was designed by Adidas to mark the end of its 40-year partnership with the FFF. It has lost the sponsorship contract to Nike in a deal worth €42m a year.
