The Scorpions, momentarily held the Gambian authorities in suspense as they boycotted their last training session open to the public, demanding qualifying bonuses for AFCON 2023. The players, seeking recognition for their achievement, pressed for a substantial bonus of 38 million dalasis (approximately 500,000 euros) for the entire squad.
The standoff led to negotiations, and eventually, the authorities acquiesced, allowing the team to proceed to the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
The Independence Stadium in Bakau witnessed the unexpected absence of the entire Scorpions team on Tuesday, leaving disappointed fans who had eagerly gathered for the training session.
The demand for bonuses was rooted in the players’ desire to receive recognition for their qualification for AFCON 2023. Gambian Sports Minister Bakary Y. Badjie expressed regret over the situation, emphasizing that each player had already received 5,000 euros for their participation in a training camp in Saudi Arabia earlier in January.
Acknowledging the players’ prior concession of a qualification bonus in exchange for diplomatic passports, Minister Badjie revealed that, despite the earlier agreement, the team insisted on financial compensation.
Characterizing the situation as a form of negotiation, the minister conceded, stating, “Sometimes when you find yourself in a situation like that, (a situation) that you can call whatever you want – blackmail or arm twisting, you give in for the sake of the country.”
With the matter elevated to the head of state, President Adama Barrow, who was traveling abroad, he intervened, instructing the authorities to meet the players’ demands to ensure the team’s participation in AFCON 2023. Scorpions captain Omar Colley confirmed on Wednesday that the 38 million dalasis bonus had been paid.
The Gambia national team is now set to travel to Ivory Coast on Thursday, gearing up for their first match against Senegal, the reigning champions, on January 15. Subsequent Group C clashes await against Guinea on the 19th and Cameroon on the 23rd.
The resolution of this bonus dispute adds a layer of intrigue to the team’s journey in the upcoming tournament.
