Serbia national football team donates cash bonus for treatment of sick children

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - The Serbia national football team has decided to donate an award of one million euros (US$1.13 million) for qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar for the treatment of sick children.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Friday entered the plane that the players and coaching staff had boarded to fly to Lisbon for a match against Portugal.

Vucic then promised a million euro bonus for a successful result.

The national team earned a direct ticket to the FIFA World Cup after beating Portugal 2-1 on Sunday.

On Monday, the promised funds were transferred to the account of the Football Union of Serbia (FSS).

However, the players decided to donate the money for the treatment of sick children in the country.

Serbian media reported the decision with great joy saying, "Serbian football players PAMPERED the nation again!," "The Eagles surprised Portugal in Lisbon and spoiled the whole nation," and "Well Done Guys! Serbian football players honor the nation."

The Serbian national football team qualified for the 2022 World Cup with a decisive goal scored by Aleksandar Mitrović in the 90th minute.

Meanwhile, Vucic announced another 10 million euro (US$11.3 million) bonus for volleyball, water polo and handball clubs.