The African Cup of Nations (CAN) is not over yet Nigeria and Ivory Coast, both qualified for the quarter-finals respectively against Angola on Friday February 2 and Mali on Saturday February 3, are preparing already towards the future.
The two West African federations have reached an agreement with their Argentine counterpart for the holding of two friendly matches in China, organized by a local company. The Super Eagles will face reigning world champions Albiceleste on March 20 or 21 at the Sports Park Stadium in Hangzhou, an arena that can accommodate 80,000 spectators. On March 24 or 25, it is the Ivorian Elephants who will respond to Lionel Messi and his teammates at the Workers’ Stadium in Beijing, also with a capacity of 80,000 seats.
As expected, the invited federations will receive a fee to come and perform in China. According to information from World, Nigeria and Ivory Coast will each pocket around 730,000 euros. To this fee will be added the cost of travel to China and accommodation in a five-star hotel. Amounts which correspond to the rates in force for the best African selections, as explained by an agent on condition of anonymity.
“Last October, Russia invited Cameroon to Moscowreports this source. The Russian federation had taken charge of hosting the Indomitable Lions in Moscow and paid a fee of several hundred thousand euros to its Cameroonian counterpart, with the latter being responsible for using part of this sum to pay for the tickets. plane of players, technical staff and managers. »
Argentina, the most requested selection
As for Argentina, the amount of their fee will be 4.6 million euros per match, in addition to covering the return trip to China by private plane, accommodation and the Hangzhou- Beijing. Conditions that have become usual for the most sought-after selection on the planet. In June 2023, the Albiceleste faced Indonesia in Jakarta (2-0) and Australia in Beijing (2-0), and it had already benefited from the same advantages. “The operation is profitable for the organizer. Argentina, especially when Messi plays, attracts people, and people are ready to pay the price,” consider the previously cited source.
This was indeed the case for the Argentina-Australia match where nearly 70,000 spectators were present. Ticket prices ranged from 76 to 1,800 euros for VIP seats. The Indonesia-Argentina meeting attracted 60,000 people, having paid between 35 and 250 euros. A great deal to which must be added the sales of derivative products, consumption at the stadium, sponsorship and TV rights. Enough to easily afford a world champion and two African greats.