Lloris: France doesn’t deserve WC bonus

(GSM) – French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris believes that the France World Cup squad do not deserve bonuses after a disastrous showing at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Les Bleus returned home in disgrace with rumours of fighting and inept performances blighting their reputation.

The issue of bonuses due to those who figured in the tournament has been high on the French Football Federation’s (FFF) agenda this week, with the matter yet to be resolved.

Patrice Evra, national skipper in South Africa,has called for the money to be donated to charity, although not all players are in agreement with that proposal.

Some are keen to collect their bonuses and distribute it out as they see fit.

Lyon keeper Lloris is among those favouring Evra’s plan, as he believes the players should not even get to see what is owed to them.

He said: “For me it’s clear. We don’t deserve a thing as regards World Cup bonuses, given our performances.

“The money lying there should be donated to charities or associations, whether it’s done so by the players or by the federation.”

Lloris said a proposition had been made to the French squad to forego all bonuses from 2009/10.

But he said that was out of the question: “… for us, it’s only a question of giving up the bonuses from the World Cup, not those due from the qualifiers.

“Everyone (in the squad) is agreed on that principle.”

He added: “Representing your country on the international stage is always something to be proud of. All of the players know that we failed, and that it’s left us with a negative image.

“None of us want to accept these bonuses, and we all want to donate the money to charity. I think there’s been a misunderstanding. It’s a pity because it’s something we can do without right now.”