The Black Queens are contemplating boycotting their vital Olympic qualifier against Zambia as a result of outstanding bonuses yet to be settled.
The team is owed qualification bonuses from two rounds of qualifying in the 2024 Olympic Qualifiers and the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Currently, the players are yet to receive their bonuses for victories over Benin (Olympic Qualifier), Rwanda, and Namibia (Africa Women’s Cup of Nations Qualifiers). The Sports Ministry owes each Black Queens player a total of $7,500 from the six qualifying matches, a situation that has left the players frustrated.
There are reports that the players are considering boycotting the crucial qualifier against Zambia on Friday if the payment issue is not resolved.
Despite assurances from the Ghana Football Association regarding timely payments, the players are still waiting for the funds to be disbursed, just two days before the important match.
Dr. Gifty Oware Mensah, a member of the Ghana Football Association Executive Committee, confirmed during the GFA Meet the Press event in Kumasi on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, that steps are being taken to address the concerns.
She stated, “Black Queens will be paid all bonuses before their next game,” specifically referring to the Olympic qualifier against Zambia. However, with two days away from the game, the players remain unpaid.
🇬🇭 Over the past year the Black Queens have been the brightest spark in Ghana football and brought joy and pride to the country. They have reminded us what it means to play for Ghana at the highest level.
Their rebuild has been successful enough to attract dual nationals.
As a… pic.twitter.com/OXx24RRGyo
— Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) February 21, 2024
The delay in payment has sparked public outrage, with many questioning the priorities of the authorities. Some have pointed to the contrasting situation where $3 million was spent on the Black Stars during their disappointing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign in Ivory Coast, where they failed to win a single game.
Respect them and pay them !!they have gone all out all this while ! they have done a fantastic job ..players -Coach and the technical team !the match against Zambia is crucial ..respect them and pay them !!! https://t.co/cmUBsokg0T
— Anthony Baffoe 🇬🇭🇬🇭🇬🇭 (@AnthonyBaffoe) February 21, 2024
The frustration is heightened by the excellent performance of the Black Queens under Swiss tactician Nora Hauptle, having lost only one game in their last 11 matches.
Black Queens coach Nora Häuptle has a win rate of 91% so far.
As the team gears up for the Olympic Qualifiers against Zambia, @Bill_Eshun compares her record to other Ghanaian coaches in the last five years.#3Sports pic.twitter.com/SSM1OrpdCO
— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) February 23, 2024
Critics argue that the football authorities need to show more respect and appreciation for the achievements of the women’s football team, especially considering their recent success compared to the struggles of the men’s team.