The Black Queens of Ghana are contemplating boycotting their crucial 2024 Olympic qualifier against Zambia due to unpaid bonus payments. Reports indicate that the team is owed bonuses from previous rounds of qualification, including the 2024 Olympic Qualifiers and the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Despite their victories in the Olympic Qualifier against Benin, and in the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations Qualifiers against Rwanda and Namibia, the players have not received their due bonuses. Each Black Queens player is owed $7,500 from the six qualifying matches, leading to frustration among the team.
Speculation is growing that the players may boycott the pivotal qualifier against Zambia on Friday due to the unresolved payment issues. The Ghana Football Association had promised timely payments, but with just two days before the critical match, funds have yet to be disbursed.
Dr. Gifty Oware Mensah, Chairperson of the Queens, acknowledged the situation at the GFA Meet the Press event in Kumasi on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, and indicated that steps were being taken to address the concerns. However, with the players still unpaid and the match looming, the situation remains tense.
The delay in payments has sparked public outcry and raised questions about the authorities’ priorities. Some have pointed out that $3 million was spent on the Black Stars during their underwhelming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign in Ivory Coast, where they failed to win a single game. This has only added to the frustration among the Black Queens players and supporters.
The Black Queens’ impressive performance under Swiss coach Nora Hauptle has further highlighted the discrepancy in treatment between the men’s and women’s teams. The team has only suffered one loss in their last 11 matches, leading critics to argue that the football authorities must show more respect and appreciation for the women’s team’s achievements.
The crucial qualifier against Zambia is scheduled to take place at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, February 23, with kick-off set for 16:00 GMT. Whether the Black Queens will ultimately boycott the match remains to be seen as the issue of unpaid bonuses continues to cast a shadow over the team’s preparations.
