MENGO – After hours of chaos in the Uganda Cranes camp in Egypt, the Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) has accept to pay the players bonuses for reaching the last 16.
The players refused to train on Tuesday claiming that the Federation had not paid them money for reaching the round of 16.
Hours after the news of the stand off broke, FUFA came out and clarified on the situation, assuring that they did not owe players any money as per the ‘code of conduct’ they signed before they (players) entered camp.
According to the said code of conducted, each player has already received approximately UGX 55m as agreed.
The money in question is $6000 that the players are demanding after reaching the round of 16, a sum that was not earlier indicated in the ‘code of conduct’.
With everyone waiting to see if the situation is resolved, news coming in indicates that the Federation has bowed to pressure and accepted to pay the money.
“Further to our earlier statement about the Uganda Cranes for the AFCON 2019 remunerations structure, FUFA hereby reaffirms that the Allowances for the Uganda Cranes since 13th May 2019 to 30th June 2019 inclusive of the winning bonuses for the DR Congo and Zimbabwe matches have been duly paid and received by the beneficiaries. This amounts to 55m UGX per player who has been with the team from inception. Read a statement on the FUFA website.
“Despite the above efforts and clarifications, the continued desire by the players to be rewarded beyond the agreed structure for the historic qualification to the Round of 16 continues to be a concern of the playing staff.
The resolution was reached during an emergency meeting held at FUFA House in Mengo on Wednesday, June 3rd-2019.
FUFA claims the decision was reached in consideration of the magnitude of the event.
“Considering the magnitude and importance of the event of Uganda Cranes match against the Teranga Lions of Senegal, the interests of the Nation, Government, the Sponsors, and the gallant fans, FUFA has agreed to pay 6,000 USD over and above the agreed terms in the Code of Conduct and that matters of Finances will not be discussed until the end of Uganda cranes participation in the Tournament. This position has been duly communicated to the Players.
“It is therefore expected that the technical preparation of the Team ahead of the match with Senegal will continue in accordance with the Programme of the Coach.”
After the issues seems to be resolved, it remains to be seen if the players will resume training on Wednesday.
Uganda will take on Senegal on Friday in the round of 16 with the winner playing either Morocco or Benin in the last 8.
To reach here, the Cranes defeated DR Congo 2-0 in the opening game with Emmanuel Okwi and Patrick Kaddu scoring the goals.
Their next encounter ended in a 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe after Okwi game the Cranes the lead inside 12 minutes.
In the last game, Uganda lost 2-0 to Egypt, finishing 2nd in group A.
