Footballers demand World Cup bonuses

France’s international squad are reneging on a pledge to give up their bonuses they made after their miserable performance in this year’s World Cup in South Africa.

The team, who were eliminated in a first round punctuated by a players’ strike and arguments with then-coach Raymond Domenech, say they want to be paid the money – estimates vary between €700,000 and €2 million – so they can give it to charity.

Former captain Patrice Evra said after the World Cup in South Africa that the players would “not accept a single centime from sponsors and everything that goes with it”. He added they would also “give up all bonuses”.

Now, however, sports newspaper L’Equipe has reported that the players have told present captain Alou Diarra they want the French Football Federation to pay them their qualification bonus, because that went to all the players in the squad, not just those picked to go to South Africa.

Diarra said on French radio that the players “want to do a good deed” and, as it was their money, they wanted the right to say where it should go.

The French FA is already locked in a battle with ex-coach Domenech, who is said to be claiming nearly €3m for unfair dismissal. It is also trying to turn round a €1.3m debt.

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