August 03, (THEWILL) – Aisha Falode, the chairman of the Nigerian Women’s Football League, has reaffirmed that FIFA will channel the prize money for the 2023 Women’s World Cup through the country’s Football Federation.
In a conversation that aired on Wednesday, Falode clarified that FIFA’s policy change came in response to unpaid allowance issues faced by the Nigerian women’s football team. To provide an assurance that the funds will get to the players, unlike what has been the case in the past, FIFA planned to “ring-fenced” the funds to ensure direct payment to players, without interference from external entities.
The Super Falcons’ qualification to the second round of the tournament triggered a confirmation of this process from FIFA’s Secretary-General, Fatma Samoura. However, the arguments that have ensued required clarification and Falode’s statement provided this elucidation as she confirmed that FIFA will transfer the prize money to the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), which will then disburse the funds to the players according to FIFA’s explicit instructions. The minimum earnings for each player in the World Cup group stage will be $30,000, with match bonuses increasing to $60,000 in the second round of the competition.
FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, emphasised the governing body’s commitment to improving player remuneration and ensuring fair distribution of the prize money. At a recent news conference, Infantino asserted that FIFA’s recommendations would be implemented through the associations, guaranteeing that players receive their dues. The total prize money for the 2023 Women’s World Cup amounts to $110 million, a substantial increase from the previous editions, highlighting FIFA’s efforts to advance gender equity in football.
The absence of a direct payment mechanism for players was the reason the body could not directly send the bonuses to the accounts of the players. Looking ahead, Infantino reaffirmed FIFA’s goal to equalise prize money for the men’s and women’s World Cups by the 2026 and 2027 editions, respectively.
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Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
