August 02, (THEWILL) – Heading into the 2023 World Cup, FIFA made a groundbreaking announcement that the prize money for the 2023 World Cup will be paid directly to the players without any third-party interference, as THEWILL reported.
It has been revealed that the decision came in the wake of unpaid allowance issues faced by the Super Falcons of Nigeria, as some players revealed they were owed per diem and bonuses dating back two years. The FIFA secretary-general, Fatma Samoura, who visited the Nigerian team, expressed empathy for the team’s hardships and made the revelation to them: “It pains me a lot. It is because of you [the Super Falcons] that, for the first time, the prize money has been ring-fenced in the history of FIFA to ensure that it goes to you.”
As per FIFA’s announcement, every player participating in the World Cup group stage earned $30,000 as match bonuses, and this will increase to $60,000 in the second round of the competition. The Super Falcons have secured a spot in the round of 16 after finishing second in group B, guaranteeing each team member a minimum of $60,000 for their feat. Despite the challenges faced due to the outstanding payments, the Falcons have been determined to progress in the competition and will face England in the second-round contest on Monday.
The withheld funds caused a stir among the players and almost affected the preparation of the Super Falcons, with many insisting on missing training to protest their unpaid bonuses.
However, with FIFA’s new direction, players can now focus on their game, knowing that their hard-earned prize money will reach them directly. This move marks a significant step towards ensuring fair treatment and financial security for players in international competitions, setting a precedent for future tournaments.
About the Author
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.
