Ghana President John Dramani Mahama reportedly flew over $3 million in cash on a plane Wednesday to Ghana’s soccer squad to prevent a potential boycott of their game against Portugal on Thursday.
Ghana’s players demanded the money to be delivered to them in cash. Each player will receive around $100,000 in cash.
“I think we will keep it in our bags,” one player said. “We will keep the money in our bags, and we love that. And then we will transfer all the money into our accounts.”
According to the Associated Press, “Brazilian officials said bringing in $3 million in cash and not declaring it to authorities would be illegal and the entire amount could be confiscated. Individuals cannot bring in more than $4,500 each without having it subject to taxes, said Brazil’s Federal Police, who enforce custom and immigration laws.” In addition, Ghana’s players could be vulnerable to many of the rampant criminal elements in the country before they leave Brazil.
Ghana reportedly asked FIFA for advance. Countries eliminated after group play receive $8 million. The country that wins the World Cup receives $35 million. But the money is usually paid after the tournament is over. FIFA gives each team $1.5 million before the tournament to help with preparations.
Ghana plays Portugal on Thursday and can advance with a win and a substantial U.S. loss to Germany.
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