Cameroon players donate AFCON knockout-round bonuses to victims of Olembe Stadium stampede

The Cameroonian national team has decided to donate their knockout-round bonuses to the victims of the stampede at the Olembe Stadium.

The Indomitable Lions defeated Comoros 2-1 in the round of 16 of the 2021 AFCON, but the victory was marred by the stampede. Eight supporters were killed and a further 38 were injured, seven seriously, in a crush outside the stadium’s south entrance ahead of Cameroon’s round-of-16 win over Comoros.

Each Cameroon player receives $85,000 (£63,000) for reaching the knockout rounds of the tournament, and have decided to donate it to the victims of the stampede.

The team’s spokesperson, Serge Leopold Guiffo, said the players have informed FA President Samuel Eto’o of their decision.

“The Indomitable Lions asked the FECAFOOT president Samuel Eto’o that their bonus of 50,000,000 CFA [$85,585.63 USD, £63,653.93 GBP] for their qualification to the last 16 at the AFCON be given to the victims of the stampede that took place at Olembe on the 24 January,” he told ESPN.

“The request was made after their quarterfinal match against The Gambia in Douala [on Saturday 29 January] and of course Eto’o agreed, it’s up to the players what they do with their money.”