THE CABLE
FIFA has announced that the 2023 World Cup prize money will be paid directly to the players — without interference from a third party.
In a viral video on social media, Fatma Samoura, FIFA secretary-general, said the policy change is due to unpaid allowance issues involving Nigeria’s Super Falcons.
During the lead-up to the World Cup, Randy Waldrum, Falcons head coach, revealed that some players are owed “per diem and bonuses” from two years ago.
The development caused a stir and almost affected the preparation of the Nigerian players.
However, in the video, Samoura acknowledged that “things have been tough” for the Falcons.
She added that FIFA — for the first time — will monitor that match bonuses get to the players directly.
“It is because of you (the @NGSuper_Falcons) that for the first time in the history of @FIFAcom, that the #FIFAWWC prize money will be paid directly to you, the players.” @fatma_samoura, @FIFAcom Secretary-General said this to the #Nigeria players in the dressing room of… pic.twitter.com/MzOn2tRnf7
— Osasu Obayiuwana (@osasuo) August 1, 2023
“I know that things have been tough. We have to face the realities of Nigeria. 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,” the FIFA secretary-general said.
FIFA had announced that every player participating in the World Cup group stage will earn $30,000.
