A dispute between South Africa’s Football Association and the Women’s World Cup team caused a stir just before the start of the tournament.
Around three weeks before the start of the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand (July 20 to August 20), the South Africans boycotted a friendly on Sunday. The focus of the conflict is said to have been the World Cup bonuses and the selection of the venue for the game.
To avoid the game being called off, South Africa fielded a team made up at short notice, including a 13-year-old player, and lost 5-0 to Botswana. A senior official of the South African association SAFA told the City Press newspaper that the players had behaved like “mercenaries” and “traitors”.
The players from the World Cup squad had complained that the venue of the game in the municipality of Tsakane, 50 kilometers south-east of Johannesburg, was unsuitable for international football. From their point of view, the risk of injury there shortly before the start of the World Cup is too high. She had also hoped for a larger stadium for the last test match before leaving for the World Cup.
Last test before the Women’s World Cup is still pending
There is also a dispute about the premiums. For the first time, each participant will receive at least 30,000 dollars from the world association FIFA. Contrary to the demands of the players, South Africa’s association does not want to increase the amount. “The players are unreasonable in their demands,” said SAFA Chief Financial Officer Gronie Hluyo. “What FIFA promised them is far more than what we have promised the national teams so far.”
South Africa’s World Cup team travels to New Zealand on Wednesday, where they play Costa Rica in their last pre-World Cup pre-season friendly. In Group G, the Africa Cup of Nations winners meet Sweden, Argentina and Italy.