Algeria's World Cup stars return home to heroes' welcome; Gaza claims rejected
Algeria's national football team received a heroes' welcome upon their return home from the World Cup on Wednesday while claims the players plan to donate their money to the people in Gaza have been dismissed.
The north African side won many plaudits in Brazil as they reached the World Cup knockout stages for the first time in their history before pushing the mighty Germany to extra-time in their last 16 encounter.
Algeria's squad touched down at Houari Boumediene International Airport before being paraded through Algiers on an open-top bus.
Along their way, the Desert Foxes received a rousing welcome as thousands lined the streets of the capital, waving the national flag and chanted patriotic slogans, including the famous "One, Two Three, Viva l'Algerie".
The team, captained by Madjid Bougherra and managed by Bosnian coach Vahid Halilhozic drove to the President's Office where they were greeted by top government officials, including Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal and Sport Minister Mohamed Tahmi.
Meanwhile, claims that Algeria's players were to hand over their World Cup bonuses the people in Gaza have been rejected by one prominent journalist.
Striker Islam Slimani had been quoted by numerous media outlets as saying the players wanted to hand their bonuses over to the poor and needy of Gaza as "they need it more than us." It was reported the figure could be as high as $9,000,000.
Striker Islam Slimani has revealed #ALG will donate their World Cup prize money to the people in Gaza. "They need it more than us."
— Waleed Abu Nada (@waleedabunada) July 2, 2014
However, Maher Mezahi, who writes for ESPN and Al Jazeera amongst others, says their is no truth to the reports.
Hate to burst everyone's bubble, but there's no credible source for #ALG players donating their bonuses to Gaza. Twitter rumour gone mad.
— Maher Mezahi (@MezahiMaher) July 3, 2014
No source for the quote, 'They need it more than us.' Nothing in Algerian press, and the FAF haven't said anything either.
— Maher Mezahi (@MezahiMaher) July 3, 2014