Spain squad bonus sparks anger
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E-mail Shanghai Daily, June 8, 2014
A World Cup bonus of 720,000 euros (US$980,000) for each member of Spain's national team if it wins the tournament in Brazil has sparked anger among lawmakers.
Captain Iker Casillas and vice-captain Xavi Hernandez signed the deal with Spain's football federation June 3 on behalf of the 23 players. It was an increase from the 600,000 euros each got when Spain won the 2010 tournament.
Lawmakers Pablo Martin Pere and Susana Ros of the opposition Socialist party criticized the premium as "disproportionate" and "an insult to citizens" given the recent economic crisis.
Lawmaker Laia Ortiz said she would raise the matter in parliament and lambasted football for being "another world" where "there is no crisis".
The 2014 World Cup winner will be awarded US$35 million, but many say the money should go toward programs that promote the game at all levels.
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