FIFA is facing criticism over its failure to deliver the final instalment of payments owed to hundreds of footballers across Europe whose contracts were not honoured by their clubs.
The funds, part of FIFA’s Fund for Players initiative, were designed to provide financial relief to players left uncompensated after their clubs defaulted on contractual agreements. While some payments have been disbursed, the final portion—totalling £3.09 million and originally due in September 2023—remains unpaid. This delay affects 420 players, many of whom are unemployed or have retired, leaving them financially vulnerable.
BBC Sport has accessed an email from a national players’ union, which lists over 30 players in financial distress and calls on FIFA to release the outstanding payments. The email highlights the severe impact on players who are relying on these funds for financial stability.
Launched in 2020, the Fund for Players was seen as a lifeline for those whose clubs had failed to fulfil their financial obligations. However, this latest delay has raised concerns about FIFA’s commitment to the program. The issue comes at a time when FIFA is already embroiled in a separate dispute with FIFPRO, the global players’ union, regarding the strain placed on elite players due to an increasingly congested match calendar. One key point of tension is the upcoming expansion of the Club World Cup to 32 teams next summer.
As of yet, FIFA has not provided any official statement addressing the overdue payments.
SOURCE: BBC
Join our WhatsApp channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakDz4u9RZATWh53yC1a
