The world football governing body, FIFA, has disclosed that the 2023 FIFA World Cup prize money will be paid directly to the players without interference from a third party.
FIFA’s secretary-general, Fatma Samoura, in a viral video on social media, said the policy change is due to unpaid allowance issues involving Nigeria’s Super Falcons.
Notably, in the video, Samoura acknowledged that “things have been tough” for the Falcons, TheCable reports.
She added that FIFA — for the first time — will monitor that match bonuses get to the players directly.
“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.
Earlier, FIFA had announced that every player participating in the World Cup group stage will earn $30,000.
The match bonuses will increase to $60,000 in the second round of the competition.
Recall that during the lead-up to the World Cup, Falcons head coach, Randy Waldrum disclosed 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.
The Super Falcons of Nigeria have qualified for the round of 16 after finishing second in Group B. Every player on the team will be earning at least $60,000 for the feat.
The Randy Waldrum side will battle England in the second-round encounter on Monday.
