During a recent event to officially present the trophy secured by the Lionceaux U15 at the African School Football Championship and to hand over the national flag to the U17 national team ahead of their journey to the CAN U17 2026, both squads were presented with symbolic financial acknowledgements.

Reports indicated that each of the young U15 champions, who recently triumphed in Zimbabwe, received a sum of 100,000 FCFA. This particular distribution sparked considerable discussion and raised questions regarding the nature of this reward.

Responding to the public debate, the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) issued a statement on Thursday to provide clarity. The football governing body emphasized that, in adherence to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) regulations, direct cash bonuses for victory are not disbursed to players participating in this specific school-level competition.

The FSF further explained that the overall prize fund of 300,000 dollars awarded to the winning team is not intended for individual player distribution, nor is it directly transferred to the Federation itself. This significant allocation is managed by CAF and is earmarked for strategic projects collaboratively outlined with Senegal’s Ministry of National Education and the FSF. These initiatives primarily focus on procuring sports equipment, enhancing vital infrastructure, and establishing educational programs designed to foster the long-term growth and sustainability of school football across Senegal.

Ultimately, the Federation clarified that the 100,000 FCFA provided to the players was solely a reimbursement for their travel expenses, intended to ensure their comfortable and secure return journeys to their respective families.