FSF clarifies 100,000 FCFA payments to U15 Lionceaux champions
FSF clarifies 100,000 FCFA payments to U15 Lionceaux champions
Following their triumph at the African School Football Championship in Zimbabwe, the Senegalese U15 Lionceaux team received widespread acclaim—and a financial reward that sparked significant debate. Reports indicated that each player was presented with an envelope containing 100,000 FCFA, a move that raised eyebrows across the sporting community.
In response to the growing controversy, the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) issued a formal statement on Thursday to dispel misunderstandings and clarify the nature of the payment.
FSF addresses payment controversy: what the regulations say
The FSF emphasized that, in strict alignment with Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) regulations governing school-level competitions, no direct cash prizes are awarded to individual players. The 300,000 USD total prize pool allocated to the winning team is not distributed personally to athletes or even directly to the Federation. Instead, this funding is administered by CAF and earmarked for long-term developmental initiatives in Senegalese school football, including:
- Procurement of sports equipment for schools
- Construction and renovation of football infrastructure
- Implementation of educational programs to strengthen youth football development
Why did players receive 100,000 FCFA?
According to the FSF’s official explanation, the 100,000 FCFA per player was not a performance bonus or prize money. Rather, it represented a reimbursement of travel expenses incurred during the championship, intended to ensure the young athletes returned safely and comfortably to their families.
The clarification comes as Senegal prepares its U17 national team for the upcoming 2026 Africa U17 Cup of Nations, with a flag handover ceremony marking the transition from the U15 success to the next generation of talent.
