FIFA has announced a significant increase in cash distributions for the upcoming World Cup, with the total amount now standing at $871 million, up from the initial $727 million announced in December. This decision was made following a meeting of FIFA’s ruling council ahead of the body’s Congress in Vancouver on Thursday.
The increase in cash payments is aimed at alleviating the concerns of FIFA members who argued that the high cost of travel, tax, and overall operations could result in them losing money from taking part in the tournament. As a result, each of the qualified teams will now receive $2.5 million for preparation costs, up from the initial $1.5 million. Additionally, the payment for qualifying for the tournament has been increased to $10 million, from $9 million.
Law Changes and Red Card Crackdown
FIFA has also confirmed law changes that will be introduced at the World Cup, including a new rule that will see players face a red card for covering their mouths during confrontations with opponents. This initiative is aimed at combating racism, and according to the FIFA statement, any player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent may be sanctioned with a red card.
The new rule follows controversy earlier this year when Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni was accused of racially abusing Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior during a Champions League game in February. FIFA’s decision to introduce this new rule is seen as a step in the right direction in the fight against racism in football.
Increased Cash Payments and Team Delegation Costs
The increase in cash payments also includes further contributions for team delegation costs and increased team ticketing allocations. FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that “FIFA is proud to be in its most solid financial position ever, enabling us to help all our member associations in an unprecedented way.” He also added that “this is one more example of how FIFA’s resources are reinvested back into the game.”
Here are some key points to note about the increased cash payments and law changes:
- Each qualified team will receive $2.5 million for preparation costs, up from $1.5 million.
- The payment for qualifying for the tournament has been increased to $10 million, from $9 million.
- Players who cover their mouths during confrontations with opponents will face a red card.
- FIFA’s cash payments are expected to total $871 million, up from the initial $727 million.
FIFA is projected to earn around $13 billion from the current four-year World Cup cycle, which concludes with this year’s tournament, the largest World Cup in history. The increase in cash payments comes with FIFA increasingly under fire for the high cost of tickets to the tournament, while some local authorities in the United States have dramatically raised transport costs during the event.
