The widely shared report that Algerian players from the 2014 World Cup would donate their match bonuses to the people of Gaza has turned out to be inaccurate, according to France Football. The initial announcement, which came from Africa Top Sports and was reportedly based on statements from individuals close to the team, misrepresented the players’ intentions.
What Actually Happened:
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Islam Slimani was quoted saying, “We don’t need them, it would be better to give them to the children of Gaza,” — but this comment was not about the players’ match bonuses.
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Instead, it was in reference to an Emirati singer’s promise to donate $10,000 per goal scored by Algeria against Germany in the Round of 16. Slimani’s statement was reportedly a gesture of humility and solidarity, not a pledge to donate official team earnings.
Clarifications:
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There’s no confirmed collective initiative by the Algerian squad to donate World Cup bonuses to Gaza.
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However, some individual players may still choose to make donations privately.
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The miscommunication highlights how public statements can easily be misinterpreted or distorted, especially in emotionally charged contexts.
Extra Note:
The Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, reportedly invited the Fennecs to Doha after their World Cup performance and may offer diamond watches engraved with their names as a gesture of appreciation.
In summary, the Algerian team’s support for Gaza remains symbolic and personal, rather than an organized or confirmed financial donation of their World Cup bonuses.
