Barbadian footballers have the opportunity to win big this year with the announcement of major cash incentives totalling $150 000 for the upcoming Prime Minister’s Cup Football Tournament.
The winning team will secure a grand prize of $100 000, which will be awarded on Independence Day, November 30.
The highly anticipated tournament, set to commence in August, has drawn significant interest, with 24 teams comprising 675 players. They are drawn from various divisions, ranging from the Premier League to Division Three.
This initiative is aimed at promoting semi-professional football in Barbados and providing financial rewards for the players and management teams involved.
Tournament Coordinator Omari Eastmond, alongside Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Minister of Sport Charles Griffith and president of the Barbados Football Association (BFA) Randy Harris, revealed the details during a launch held at the BFA this morning.
Eastmond emphasised that all participating players and management teams will receive payments for their involvement in the league.
Each player will earn $125 during the preliminary stages, with substitutes receiving half that amount. As the tournament progresses, the financial stakes will increase: $150 for the round of 16, $200 for the quarter-finals, $250 for the semi-finals, and $300 for the finals.
The preliminary games will involve 675 players and will be held on community fields across the island. The knockout stages will be contested at the Wildey astroturf, with the finals scheduled to take place at the iconic Kensington Oval.
All Premier League teams are set to participate in the tournament, along with the top six First Division teams, the top four Second Division teams, and the top four Third Division teams, based on the 2024 season standings.
To ensure inclusivity and competitive balance, a mini draft system will be implemented for teams that did not qualify for the tournament.
Additionally, trades between clubs will be permitted, although player transfers will not be allowed. Official notifications and further details will be communicated to the clubs in due course, Eastmond told the media. (ML)
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