‘Players demanded US$120,000 as appearance fee’

Former Sports Minister Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah has revealed that Black Stars players demanded U$120,000 each as appearance fee to play at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

He made this revelation when he appeared before the Commission of Inquiry on Wednesday morning.

Afriyie-Ankrah further disclosed that series of meetings took place before the players were paid an astronomical US$ 100,000 as appearance fee.

“The FA brought in their budget and it was US$120, 000 as appearance fee for the players, but I knew it wasn’t going to fly, so I protested,” Afriyie-Ankrah said.

“The FA then returned with another proposal of US$100,000, which I thought was normal based on the fact that at the last World Cup in South Africa the players received less, and submitted these proposals to cabinet.

“But cabinet upon further deliberations decided that even the US$100,000 was too much as they can only afford US$ 82,500 for each player.”

At the tournament in Brazil, the payment delayed and that led to players boycotting training session.

Government had to fly in cash before their final Group E match against Portugal which they lost 2-1 to exit the tournament.