More than 400 professional footballers, including unemployed and retired players, are still waiting for crucial financial support promised by FIFA, as the sport’s governing body delays the final payment from its Player Fund.
The fund, established in 2020 to support players whose clubs failed to honour their contracts, has left many athletes in financial limbo since missing its scheduled September 2023 payment. The outstanding amount totals £3.09 million and affects 420 players worldwide.
“Some of these players are facing severe financial hardship,” said a source familiar with the situation, who shared an email from a national union to FIFA pleading for the release of funds to over 30 struggling players.
The payment delay coincides with escalating tensions between FIFA and FIFPro, the global players’ union, over the expanded 32-team Club World Cup scheduled for summer 2025 in the United States. FIFPro, backed by the Professional Footballers’ Association, has expressed concerns about player welfare, citing increased injury risks from the tournament’s demands on elite players.
Adding to the uncertainty, FIFA has yet to finalise television contracts or announce prize money for the upcoming Club World Cup. The organisation has not responded to requests for comment about either the delayed payments or the tournament concerns.
“This isn’t just about money – it’s about FIFA keeping its promises to vulnerable players who trusted the system,” said another source close to the affected players, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The situation has drawn criticism from player advocates who argue that FIFA’s financial obligations to struggling players should be prioritised over expanding commercial tournaments.
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