Former Polish football star against team bonus

Andrzej Szarmach: photo - wikipedia

Andrzej Szarmach, a hero of the 1976 Montreal Olympics, has argued that it is over the top to reward the team for failing to either win a match or make it out of the opening group phase.

“If the team had advanced to the quarter-finals, then absolutely, but what is there to pay them for?” he said during an interview with Polish Radio.

Prior to the tournament, the Polish Football Association (PZPN) pledged that the squad would be given a lump sum of 500,000 euro (2.1 million zloty) for every victory in its opening group matches.

Similarly, if Poland managed a draw, the side would be given a joint bonus of 250,000 euro (1.06 million zloty).

Having notched up two draws, the team is now due to receive 500,000 euro (2.1 million euro).

Andrzej Szarmach won the title of best player during the Montreal Olympics in 1976 after scoring nine goals – more than any other contestant in the tournament. He later played in France's premier football league.

After hanging up his boots, Szarmach managed Polish league side Zaglebie Lubin, as well as a series of French teams. (nh)