AFCON 2019: Uganda players boycott training over bonuses

Uganda’s players boycotted Africa Cup of Nations training on Tuesday because of a pay dispute, according to the country’s Football Association (FUFA).

It is the latest such dispute to break out at the tournament, following issues with Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Cameroon.

The Cranes finished second in their group and are preparing to face Senegal in the last 16 on Friday.

FUFA say the players are trying to “renegotiate” the terms of a deal signed between the two parties.

They say the arrangement was agreed pre-tournament and detailed the payments that had already been made to the team.

“As of 2nd July 2019, each player has received up to $14,600 … with more daily allowances and winning bonuses awaiting to be earned,” a statement read.

“We hope the players will rescind their decision and report for training on Wednesday,” a FUFA spokesman told the BBC.

The players have yet to comment.

Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Cameroon have all had similar situations either in the build-up to Egypt 2019 or since it has started.

All those situations were resolved without significant disruption to the tournament.