Reports suggest that the Black Queens are deliberating a potential boycott of their pivotal 2024 Olympic qualifier against Zambia due to unresolved bonus payments.
Despite their victorious performances in previous rounds against Benin in the Olympic Qualifiers, and Rwanda and Namibia in the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations Qualifiers, the players have yet to receive their due bonuses. Each Black Queens player is owed $7,500 from the six qualifying matches, leading to mounting frustration within the team.
With just two days remaining before the critical match against Zambia, the Ghana Football Association’s failure to disburse the funds as promised has fueled speculation of a potential boycott.
Acknowledging the situation, Dr Gifty Oware Mensah, Chairperson of the Queens, stated at the GFA Meet the Press event in Kumasi on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, that efforts were underway to address the concerns. However, with players still unpaid and the match looming, tensions continue to rise.
The delay in payments has sparked public outrage, especially considering the hefty $3 million expenditure on the Black Stars during their lackluster 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign. Critics argue that such discrepancies underscore a lack of appreciation for the Black Queens’ achievements under Swiss coach Nora Hauptle, who has guided the team to just one loss in their last 11 matches.
As frustration mounts, calls for equitable treatment and recognition of the women’s team’s successes compared to the men’s team’s struggles have intensified.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the bonus payments, the crucial qualifier against Zambia is scheduled to take place at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, February 23, with kick-off set for 16:00 GMT.
