Warriors Receive Their Money, At Last; CAF To Make Advance Payment To ZIFA
A soccer24 report claims that the Warriors have received their money and are now set to fulfil the fixture against Egypt tonight.
Earlier reports had claimed that the players had warned ZIFA that they will not take to the field until they are given US$9 000 each promised by the Association.
ZIFA president, Felton Kamambo, reportedly arrived in Egypt today and explained that the money was deposited a few days ago but took long to reflect.
According to ZimLive, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) held talks with Warriors players and urged them to play tonight’s match.
CAF reportedly undertook to release the balance of Zimbabwe’s appearance fee so that outstanding player allowances are settled.
A BBC correspondent Osasu Obayiuwana said on Twitter:
I’m made to understand that Amaju, the CAF first vice president, had to plead with the players not to boycott today’s match against Egypt.
Amaju, who is also the AFCON organising committee chairman, is asking the finance department of CAF to release the balance of Zimbabwe’s appearance fee so that outstanding player allowances are settled.
Amaju was worried about the damage to the corporate brand of the tournament, if Zimbabwe boycotted the opener.
The Warriors were reportedly angered by news that ZIFA chartered a jet to fly at least 100 people to Egypt, all expenses paid.