Ukraine offered $16 million bonus for Euro 2012 triumph

Kiev, June 7 (IANS) Ukraine's national football team will share a bonus of $16.2 million if they win the Euro 2012 Championship beginning Friday.

"Our financial incentive is better compared to the bonuses of other teams involved in European Championship," Ukraine Football Association president Gryhoriy Surkis was quoted as saying by Xinhua Thursday.

The announced cash prize is one of the most lucrative in Europe and could net the 23 players $704,350 each if they come out on top, Surkis said.

Smaller incentives are also included in Ukraine's bonus system, Surkis said, adding that the squad will take $691,400 for a match won in the group stage, with $310,700 for a draw.

The squad will earn $2.48 million for making the second stage.

The team will be rewarded $3.72 million for entering the final and $5.6 million for winning the cup.

Ukraine will kick-off their Euro 2012 campaign Monday when they take on Sweden.