Poland’s prime minister reversed an initial controversial decision to pay the national football team big bonuses for its performance at the World Cup amid inflation and the country’s economic woes.
It was a surprising drop from Mateusz Morawiecki, who said he thought the players deserved some kind of reward for qualifying from their group, Poland’s best result in the tournament in 36 years.
But in the wake of the controversy sparked by high inflation and general uncertainty, Morawiecki finally said on Facebook that there would be “no government means” to reward players.
He added that lack of funds is among the problems hampering the development of football in Poland, noting that state funds will be earmarked to change the situation.
In a meeting before the departure of the national team for Qatar, Morawiecki promised the players a “very valuable prize” if all goes well. Media reported that at least 30 million zlotys ($6.7 million) were being talked about, according to the Associated Press.
Poland qualified from the group stage after defeating Saudi Arabia, drawing with Mexico and losing to Argentina. Then they were eliminated in the round of 16 against holders France in a match that ended with three French goals against a Polish goal.
With a budget deficit, huge defense spending and inflation above 17%, government spokesman Piotr Mueller recently said there will be no rewards for players and the money will be spent on coaching children and develop football infrastructure.
Holders France have made it to the quarter-finals of the 2022 Qatar World Cup on soccer, following Sunday’s victory over Poland 3-1, and will meet them in a heated battle with England, eager for a second title after 1966, after the easy victory over Senegal, champion of Africa, 3-0.
