July 19 – FIFA president Gianni Infantino has warned his organisation can’t guarantee that players will get their prize money at the Women’s World Cup.
In June, the world governing body announced that every player at the tournament would be paid at least $30,000 by FIFA, and the 23 players in the title-winning team will each get $270,000.
FIFA has increased prize money to $110 million for the Women’s World Cup and committed more than half of FIFA’s total prize money fund to the players in the 32 squads, but at a news conference in Auckland Infantino said it’s not that straightforward, even after the world players union FIFA had called on FIFA to offer a “global guarantee” that 30% of the prize money would go to players.
“We have issued recommendations but we are an association of associations,” explained Infantino. “So whatever payments we do will be through the associations, and then the associations will make the relevant payments to their own players.
“But we are in touch with all the associations, and there are all different situations in different parts of the world – taxation, residence, and so on, which require special agreements that are agreements for some associations with the players from before, of course.
“So, I think we have been taking some groundbreaking decisions and it’s far from the end of the story.”
Infantino emphasized that the prize pot for the tournament has risen significantly from the $30 million on offer at the previous finals in 2018 in France. However, the $110 million prize pool still falls significantly short of the $440 million available for the men’s World Cup. FIFA has stated its intention to achieve pay parity by 2027.
“Well, you know, today is the eve of the opening game of the Women’s World Cup and for me, it’s a moment to focus on the positive, focus on the happiness, focus on the joy,” said Infantino.
“Until August 20, you will hear from me only positive things about everything and everyone.
“If somebody’s still not happy about something, well, I’m so sorry. I am happy with everything and I love everyone. As of August 21, we focus on some other issues around the world and all the problems that are coming up.”
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