The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has reacted angrily to threats by national team players to boycott the African Nations Cup finals unless their demands are met.
Following last Sunday`s 1-0 win over Algeria in a pre-Nations Cup friendly, some senior Lions members demanded a review of their bonuses.
They rejected the US$13 500 offered to each player for securing World Cup qualification last year, describing the amount as "derisory".
The Lions have subsequently threatened to stay away from the upcoming Nations Cup in Mali if officials do not give way.
But the players` stance has prompted anger within the corridors of power in Senegal`s football establishment.
FSF
spokesmanCheikh Tidiane Fall said: "They (players) need to come back down to earth a little."
He criticised the players` demands for higher bonuses on the basis that the Cameroonian team are being paid more.
"Cameroon have been African and Olympic champions - which is not the case with Senegal, who don`t have the same financial means."
Although Fall described the quality of the Senegalese team as "exceptional", he said the team still has a long way to go before reaching the top.
"Before making a good World Cup showing the team has to play a good African Nations Cup."
This row threatens to derail coach Bruno Metsu`s preparations for the Nations Cup finals which start in Mali this month.
