Kinshasa, DR Congo (PANA) - The Kinshasa government has released US$3.1
million to the country's national football squad, The Simbas, to cover
costs of participation in the 25th edition of the African Cup of Nations
(CAN) slated for 20 January - 10 February in Egypt, the finance ministry
announced.

It said Tuesday that the amount slightly exceeded the budget submitted by
the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA), and includes costs related to
warm-up matches, travels, bonuses and accommodation.

The government also paid the emoluments of coach Claude Leroy, estimated
at over 480,000 euros, representing his wages due till July 2006 when his
first contract with the Simbas ends, the ministry said.

The Frenchman had on several occasions threatened to resign, spending
most of his time in France and leaving the Simbas' training sessions
under the supervision of local coaches.

The Congolese play their first match on 21 January against Togo in Group
B, which also comprises Angola and Cameroon.

The last three build-up matches of the squad on their way to Egypt
resulted in two draws against Tunisia (2-2) and Senegal (0-0), and a
crushing defeat at the hands of Morocco (0-3).