FIFA Decides to Directly Pay 2023 World Cup Prize Money to Players, Citing Super Falcons’ Allowance Issues
The international governing body of football, FIFA, has revealed its decision to directly distribute the prize money for the 2023 World Cup to the players, eliminating any involvement of a third party.
In a widely circulated video, FIFA Secretary-General Fatma Samoura explained that this new approach is a response to the longstanding unpaid allowance concerns faced by Nigeria’s Super Falcons.
These concerns were brought to light by Super Falcons’ coach, Randy Waldrum, who disclosed that certain players were still owed “per diem and bonuses” from two years prior to the World Cup.
Samoura expressed empathy for the challenges the Falcons have encountered and assured that FIFA would be vigilantly overseeing the process to ensure that match bonuses are promptly delivered to the players.
She stated, “I am aware of the difficulties you have been facing. We need to confront the realities of Nigeria. This deeply concerns me. It is primarily for your sake [Super Falcons] that, for the first time ever, FIFA has set aside the prize money to guarantee that it reaches you.”
FIFA had initially announced a prize of $30,000 for each player participating in the World Cup group stage, with the amount increasing to $60,000 in the second round.
Following their qualification for the round of 16 by securing the second spot in Group B, every team member of the Falcons will earn a minimum of $60,000.
Nigeria’s upcoming match in the second round will be against England, scheduled for Monday.
