By Rahman Osman
Follow on Twitter; @iamrahmanosman
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.
ââ¬ÅThe FA brought in their budget and it was US$120, 000 as appearance fee for the players, but I knew it wasnââ¬â¢t going to fly, so I protested,â⬠Afriyie-Ankrah said.
ââ¬ÅThe 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.
ââ¬ÅBut 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.ââ¬
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.