FIFA to pay World Cup prize money directly to players

World football governing body, FIFA says the 2023 World Cup prize money will be paid directly to the players without interference from a third party.

FIFA Secretary-General, Fatma Samoura made the disclosure in a viral video, noted that the decision is due to unpaid allowance issues involving the Super Falcons of Nigeria.

Samoura, in the video, acknowledged that “things have been tough” for the Falcons, adding that FIFA will for the first time 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.

The Falcons have qualified for the round of 16 after finishing second in group B. Every team player will earn at least $60,000 for the feat.

Nigeria is billed to take on England in the second-round contest on Monday.