FIFA say that they issue recommendations, but they pay to the Associations
and not individuals. But did FIFA pay the Super Falcons Players directly into
their bank accounts?
Contrary to reports making the rounds on social media that FIFA paid directly
into the personal bank accounts the Nigerian football players at the Women’s
World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, it can be concluded as fake news.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino revealed that the players did not directly
receive the payments. Instead, FIFA issued the payments to each team’s
federation, and then the federations distribute the money to the players. In
June, FIFA had previously declared that every player taking part in the 2023
Women’s World Cup would receive a minimum of $30,000, representing a
notable improvement compared to the 2019 tournament.
Infantino clarified that making payments directly to players is not an option for
FIFA, as it operates as an association of associations. Therefore, all payments
will be routed through the national football governing bodies, and these
associations will be responsible for disbursing the funds to their respective
players. “We have issued recommendations, but we are an association of
associations. So whatever payments we do will be through the associations,
and then the associations will make the relevant payments to their
players.” Infantino.
