FIFA secretary-general, Fatma Samoura, confirmed this in a viral video on social media saying the policy change is due to unpaid allowance issues involving Nigeria’s Super Falcons.
Recall that Super Falcons head coach, Randy Waldrum, had earlier revealed 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 with most of them insisting on missing the training to protest their unpaid bonuses.
However, in the video, Samoura acknowledged that “things have been tough” for the Falcons.
“It is because of you (the @NGSuper_Falcons) that for the first time in the history of @FIFAcom, that the #FIFAWWC prize money will be paid directly to you, the players.” @fatma_samoura, @FIFAcom Secretary-General said this to the #Nigeria players in the dressing room of… pic.twitter.com/MzOn2tRnf7
— Osasu Obayiuwana (@osasuo) August 1, 2023
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.
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.
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