World Cup 2026: Sports Minister Kofi Adams reveals outstanding bonus payments for Otto Addo and players still unpaid

Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has confirmed that outstanding winning bonuses due to Ghana’s Black Stars players, technical team, and management committee following their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are yet to be paid.

Speaking on Asempa FM, the minister explained that an agreement reached prior to the resumption of the qualifiers in 2025 stipulated that players would receive 50 per cent of their winning bonuses upfront, with the remaining 50 per cent to be paid upon securing qualification.

However, he disclosed that the balance of those payments is still pending.

"Qualification bonus yet to be paid to players. We had an agreement with the players that 50 per cent of the bonuses would be paid to the players, and after qualification, the additional 50 per cent would be paid.

"As it stands, the qualification bonus, which is the additional 50 per cent, is yet to be paid to the players."

He further noted that the same arrangement applies to former head coach Otto Addo, who led the team through qualification, as well as members of the management committee.

"Otto Addo qualified the team for the World Cup, and we are yet to pay him the additional 50 per cent of the qualification bonus.

"The management committee members have also not been paid. We agreed that they will be paid if qualification is secured, so since we have qualified, they will have to be paid as well," he added.

Ghana topped their qualifying group with 25 points, sealing their place at the 2026 World Cup in North America.

The Black Stars will be making their fifth appearance at the tournament, where they have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama.

Their campaign will begin on June 17 against Panama, followed by fixtures against England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.