Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara has splashed out more than US$3.4 million in bonuses to reward the Africa Cup of Nations winners, the Ivorian Ministry of Sport said on Tuesday.
The west African nation pipped Ghana 9-8 on penalties after a goalless draw following extra-time in Equatorial Guinea to lift their second title.
Coach Herve Renard was invited to the presidential palace, with the Frenchman receiving a bonus of more than US$129,000.
Photo: Reuters
His 23-man squad were each given a house worth US$52,000 as well as the same amount “in cash,” according to Ivory Coast Minister of Sport Alain Lobognon.
The Ivorian Football Federation was given US$429,000, with the technical and administrative staff sharing US$520,000, amounting to a total of more than US$3.4 million forked out by the head of state.
The entire squad were also conferred with the highest order of knights of the National Order.
“Thanks to you, Ivory Coast is once more united,” Ouattara said, speaking at length of the sense of national unity the victory provided.
“You managed to rebuild a strong team working as one toward one goal — winning and winning more. It’s a lesson in rallying people together,” he said.
The Elephants have been seen as a uniting force in one of the world’s poorest nations, which is emerging from 10 years of political and military strife.
“We had been dreaming about that title for one-quarter of a century,” Ouattara said.
“Now, the cup is here and, as they say, all things come in threes,” he added.
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