Madagascar players and federation resolve CHAN 2024 bonus dispute

Madagascar national side players have settled their disagreement with the country’s football federation regarding bonus payments after they ended the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in second place. The rift between the Madagascar Football Federation (FMF) and the local Barea players has been resolved amicably.

Following a long discussion between the FMF and the players, a resolution has been reached. Players and staff members have achieved their demands, with goalkeeper Manda Hasina Ratsimbazafy telling the local press that all their demands have been met by the federation. “No more misunderstandings! We came today to discuss the CHAN 2024 bonuses with the federation. We warmly thank the FMF, as we have all received our shares today. A big thank you to the former Barea who fought to ensure our efforts were rewarded. We have achieved what is rightfully ours, and we also thank the fans who supported us.”

According to Midi Madagasikara, the announcement comes amid weeks of controversy fueled by rumors about the distribution of bonuses. Initially set at $1.2 million USD, the bonuses were reduced to around $1.1 million USD after deductions by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for fines, television rights for the 2023 AFCON, and the cost of Puma balls.

Former Madagascar national side players, namely Paulin Voavy, Faneva Andriatsima, and Lalaïna Henintsoa Nomenjanahary, initially gave a 72-hour ultimatum to the federation to settle the bonuses. It is common in African football to witness players striking over delayed bonus payments.