Ivory Coast’s remarkable victory in the 34th edition of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023) against Nigeria’s Super Eagles, President Alassane Ouattara has expressed his elation by generously rewarding the triumphant Elephants, led by coach Emerse Fae.
Despite a challenging start in the group stages, where elimination loomed large, Ivory Coast, under the astute guidance of Fae, turned the tide, securing their third continental star in a historic triumph.
President Ouattara, who had earlier sent a rallying message to maintain hope, witnessed his nation’s perseverance culminate in a glorious achievement.
In a ceremony held at the presidential palace on Tuesday, President Ouattara, aged 82, adorned the players and technical staff with well-deserved decorations and unveiled substantial rewards for their exceptional efforts.
Prime Minister Beugré Mambé revealed that the Ivorian government would release a staggering 2 billion 150 million FCFA to reward the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF), technical staff, coach Emerse Fae, and the players.
The players, in particular, were granted a villa valued at 50 million CFA francs each, along with an additional bonus of 50 million CFA francs individually, totaling an impressive 1 billion 35 million FCFA.
These rewards came in addition to the bonuses previously negotiated before the commencement of the competition, presenting a significant windfall for players like Simon Adingra, Seko Fofana, and Franck Kessié.
Coach Emerse Fae, credited with turning around the fortunes of the Elephants, received a commendable 100 million FCFA (approximately 150 thousand euros) as a gesture of gratitude from President Ouattara and the Ivorian government.
The dedicated technical staff, instrumental in Fae’s success, were not overlooked, with a total of 400 million FCFA allocated to them.
Despite facing criticism from the public, the FIF, under President Idriss Yacine Diallo, will also receive a substantial sum of 300 million FCFA.
These grand gestures of appreciation and financial rewards underscore the monumental achievement of the Ivorian football team in AFCON 2023, a tournament followed by more than 2 billion people worldwide, solidifying its place in history as an unprecedented success.
🔴 2 milliards 150 millions de FCFA à la FIF, le staff technique, l’entraîneur et les joueurs CHAMPIONS D’AFRIQUE + une villa de 50 millions à chaque joueur. #CAN2023 pic.twitter.com/DfFkHbhilg
— La Côte d’Ivoire Est Chic (@Cotedivoireoff_) February 13, 2024
