French players give up World Cup bonuses worth £2.5 million

French players have finally drawn a line under their disastrous World Cup campaign by agreeing to give up their bonuses worth £2.5 million.

French Football Federation (FFF) President Fernand Duchaussoy said that the money would now be distributed with football federation bosses.

“The players have confirmed that they are willing to give up any bonuses from partners and sponsors from the World Cup and the warm-up games which amounts to the sum of three million euros,” the Daily Express quoted Duchaussoy, as saying.
 
“This amount will be given in its entirety to grass-roots and amateur football in France. I have been personally involved after having chats and group discussions with the players concerned.”

“We think it is the right thing to do, it is for an appropriate cause. I would say that the subject is now closed and we can now concentrate on this fantastic game,” he added.

Meanwhile, France’s manager Laurent Blanc said that the dispute would not affect his side’s preparations for tonight’s friendly against England at Wembley.

The French team had to regain the respect of fans and the public after ending a World Cup campaign marked by a squad mutiny and the failure to win a single match.

France had registered a 2-1 defeat to South Africa, 2-0 loss to Mexico and a 0-0 draw with Uruguay to ensure that they exited in the first round by finishing last in its group.