Salomon Kalou Demands Transparency Over Unpaid AFCON Bonuses
Former Ivory Coast international Salomon Kalou has raised serious concerns over unpaid bonuses from the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, urging authorities to resolve the issue ahead of the 2017 AFCON qualifiers.
In an interview with Jeune Afrique, Kalou, who now plays for Hertha Berlin, expressed frustration with the ongoing confusion surrounding the financial rewards promised to the Ivorian squad following their AFCON triumph in Equatorial Guinea.
“What’s happening is not normal,” Kalou said. “This needs to be resolved quickly to prevent the matter from escalating. Personally, I’m missing part of this bonus. It’s not the amount that’s the problem, it’s the way it’s happening. There’s obviously money that’s gone missing. I’m not accusing anyone, but we need to shed light on this matter quickly. Otherwise, it will create divisions, and that’s not what we need.”
The Fédération Ivoirienne de Football (FIF) acknowledged last week that not all bonuses from the 2015 tournament had been fully paid. The issue has stirred unease among players and prompted the Ivorian Minister of Sports to summon FIF officials for a meeting last Thursday to seek a resolution.
Kalou’s remarks highlight the growing unease within the squad as they prepare for the next stage of their continental campaign. For the veteran forward, the issue is less about the money and more about the lack of transparency and trust in how funds have been handled.
The bonus dispute comes at a delicate time for Ivorian football, with the 2017 AFCON qualifiers fast approaching. Players, staff, and supporters will be hoping that the matter is resolved swiftly and fairly, ensuring unity within the national team ahead of their next competitive fixtures.
