In the FIFA tournament, a total of $30,000 was allocated for the 732 players across the 32 teams. However, players on the 16 teams that progressed out of the group stage received a higher payout of $60,000. Additionally, players who made it to the knockout round in the Women’s World Cup received even larger individual bonuses, which could have a significant impact on their lives.
FIFA Women’s World Cup Prize Money Distribution
During the tournament, FIFA allocated $30,000 for the 732 players representing the 32 teams. The amount increased to $60,000 for players in the 16 teams who progressed from the group stage, and then to $90,000 for players in the quarterfinals. This was a significant financial boost for many players, especially those who previously experienced payment and support issues from their respective federations.
Hildah Magaia, known as the “Breadwinner” of South Africa’s team, played a pivotal role in helping Banyana Banyana advance beyond the group stage and into the knockout phase, thereby doubling their bonus.
She plans to use the money appropriately to take care of her mother since she is the one responsible for her care and support. As the breadwinner, she will be able to provide for her mother’s needs.
Jamaica has faced financial difficulties and had to rely on crowdfunding to raise money for their travel to the tournament.
As players, we have lives outside of football, and the prize money rewards us in ways we can’t imagine, said Blackwood.
Many of us have bills to pay and families to take care of, and for the younger generation, football doesn’t provide a lot of financial stability.
Seeing us doing what we love and making a living off of it can be very motivating for girls who aspire to pursue their dreams.
There is no guarantee that all players will receive their promised bonuses.
Last year, FIFPRO, the global players union, sent a letter to FIFA on behalf of players from 25 national
teams, requesting better conditions during the tournament.
In June, FIFA announced the individual bonuses from the $110 million prize pool.
However, FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that the federations would be responsible for
distributing payments and could not guarantee that the players would receive their funds.
FIFPRO is currently working to establish bank accounts and an auditing process for the players, but
there have already been issues.
In fact, FIFPRO recently announced that it is helping Nigeria’s players in a dispute with their federation
concerning bonus payments, camp allowances, and expenses, some of which date back to 2021.
Nigeria was narrowly defeated in a penalty shootout against England and missed the quarterfinals.
Last year, U.S. Soccer awarded female players from the United States a contract that ensures they
receive the same pay as their male counterparts on the national team.
The prize pool for the current Women’s World Cup exceeds the prize fund for the 2019 Women’s
World Cup in France by more than three times.
However, it remains considerably lower than the $440 million prize money for the men’s World Cup in
Qatar in December 2019.
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