Benin Allege Denial of Bonuses, Shirt Swaps and Photos After Argentina Friendly
Benin’s camp has been left angry after claims that players and staff were denied post-match access, shirt swaps, photographs and financial return following the 3-0 friendly defeat to Argentina in Buenos Aires.
The visiting side also reportedly received no appearance bonus or share of the income from the sold-out event at Estadio Monumental, while being prevented from entering Argentina’s dressing-room corridor after full-time.
Dispute after Argentina friendly
- Argentina hosted Benin at the Monumental in a match staged as part of celebrations around Lionel Messi’s international career.
- Gernot Rohr’s team held on until the interval but conceded three times in the second half as the home side secured a comfortable 3-0 win.
- After the game, Benin were allegedly unable to exchange jerseys or take pictures with the Argentine players.
- Claims also emerged that the Cheetahs received neither bonuses nor money generated by the exhibition match.
- Benin’s frustration was compounded by reported problems involving travel and hotel arrangements during their stay in the Argentine capital.
Benin must turn attention to AFCON qualifying
The trip has left Rohr with a morale issue to manage before Benin return to competitive duty in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.
On the field, the technical staff will also review the defensive breakdown that led to Argentina’s three unanswered goals after the break. Positive results in the upcoming qualifiers would give the Cheetahs a quick opportunity to recover from a difficult visit to South America.
