FIFA To Pay Women’s World Cup Prize Money Directly To Players Because Of Nigeria’s Trust Issues
In a groundbreaking decision, FIFA has announced that for the first time in history, prize money for the ongoing 2023 Women’s World Cup will be paid directly to the players. This move comes as a direct response to the long-standing bonus disputes between the Nigerian players and their leadership.
The Secretary-General of FIFA, Fatma Samoura, revealed the reason behind this decision, attributing it to the persistent conflicts over bonuses that the Nigerian players have faced over the years. Despite their commendable performance in the World Cup held in Australia/New Zealand, the Super Falcons are still awaiting per diem and bonuses that date back two years.
Addressing the Nigerian players after their goalless draw with Ireland, which secured their qualification to the round of 16, Samoura expressed her empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by the team. She emphasized that the decision to pay the prize money directly to the players was aimed at ensuring they receive the remuneration they deserve.
The move is seen as a significant step towards resolving the issue of unpaid bonuses, as FIFA has ring-fenced the prize money to guarantee it reaches the players’ accounts directly. This measure aims to alleviate the financial burdens and instill confidence in the players, especially considering Nigeria’s history of bonus disputes.
Earlier, FIFA had announced that each player participating in the Women’s World Cup would receive $30,000 after the group stages, with the sum increasing to $60,000 for those teams qualifying for the second round of the tournament.
As Nigeria gears up to face England’s Lionesses in the round of 16 on Monday, August 7, the focus remains on the game, but this historic decision by FIFA will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for future tournaments. It sets a precedent for ensuring that players are fairly compensated for their efforts and contributions to the sport.
In the quest for gender equality and fair treatment of athletes, FIFA’s move should be applauded. It marks a significant step forward in acknowledging and rectifying the disparities that female athletes often face in the world of sports. Hopefully, this decision will inspire other sports governing bodies to implement similar measures and ensure that all athletes, regardless of gender, are treated with the respect and remuneration they deserve.
