Senegal’s U15 lion cubs: FSF clarifies 100,000 FCFA reward controversy

Lionceaux U15 : la FSF s’explique sur les 100 000 FCFA après le sacre

Following their triumph at the African School Football Championship in Zimbabwe, Senegal’s U15 Lion Cubs returned home as champions. During the trophy presentation ceremony, the young players received symbolic checks, sparking public debate about the nature of the rewards.

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has now addressed the controversy through an official statement. According to the FSF, the 100,000 FCFA checks given to each player were not prize money but rather reimbursements for travel expenses incurred during their journey back to their families.

FSF clarifies: 100,000 FCFA was for transport, not prize money

The FSF emphasized that prize money in cash is not part of the African School Football Championship regulations set by the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF). The federation stressed that the $300,000 global prize awarded to the winning team is not distributed directly to players or federations. Instead, it is managed by the CAF and allocated to structured projects in collaboration with the Ministry of National Education and the FSF.

These funds are earmarked for sustainable development in school football, including the purchase of sports equipment, infrastructure upgrades, and educational programs designed to strengthen youth football in Senegal.

Focus on transparency and long-term impact

The FSF reiterated its commitment to transparency, ensuring that all financial allocations comply with CAF guidelines. The 100,000 FCFA per player was a practical measure to support the young athletes’ safe and comfortable return home after their victorious campaign.

The federation also used the occasion to highlight the importance of school football in nurturing future talents and called on stakeholders to focus on sustainable growth rather than short-term rewards.