DR Congo refutes '$1 million' World Cup bonus claims | OneFootball

DRC deny '$1 million' bonus reports

Photo: DRC squad

The Congolese Football Federation Association (FECOFA) has dismissed reports claiming each player in the national team will receive a $1 million bonus should they reach the inter-confederation playoffs scheduled for next year.

In the wake of the bonus reports, it emerged that the Democratic Republic of Congo camp is in disarray, with injured players and those who are not part of the current squad keen to have a slice of the pie, citing their contribution in the qualifying campaign.

However, FECOFA has since refuted the bonus claims, labelling the reports as ‘fake news’. The Federation urged the supporters and public to only refer to official press releases.

“The Congolese Football Federation Association (FECOFA) wishes to formally deny the rumor circulating on social media and in some media outlets that each player on the national team, the Leopards of the DRC, has received or will receive one million US dollars as a bonus,” read the statement from FECOFA.

"FECOFA informs the public that this information is completely false, unfounded, and lacks any official basis from either Government or the Federation.

"FECOFA calls on supporters, the media, and the general public to avoid spreading fake news and to refer only to press releases and information from official sources, particularly those of FECOFA and the ministry of Sports and Recreation.

"The Federation reiterates its commitment to continue working transparently for the advancement of Congolese football and the well-being of our Leopards, in accordance with established procedures.

DR Congo will face Cameroon in Rabat on Thursday, 13 November, while Nigeria square off against Gabon in the other match.

The winner of the semi-finals will meet in the final on Sunday, with a spot in the inter-confederation playoffs at stake.