FIFA Faces Criticism Over Unpaid Player Funds

FIFA faces accusations of failing to pay the final portion of agreed sums to players across Europe whose clubs did not honor their contracts. Sources from multiple countries indicate that while FIFA has made some payments, the last installment remains unpaid. Many affected players are either unemployed or retired and they consider the unpaid sums essential for their financial well-being.

The players expected to receive the outstanding payments in September 2023 from FIFA’s Fund for Players. FIFA established this fund in 2020 to support players whose clubs failed to honor their contracts. Reports show that 420 players are owed a total of £3.09 million. BBC Sport obtained an email from a national football union addressed to FIFA naming more than 30 players. The email highlights the financial hardships these players face.

The union urged FIFA to release the remaining funds to these players. This situation arises amid a broader dispute between FIFA and the global players’ union FIFPro over the international match calendar. FIFPro supported by the Professional Footballers’ Association argues that excessive match demands overburden elite players, potentially increasing their risk of injury.

A significant point of contention involves the upcoming expanded 32-team Club World Cup set to take place in the USA next summer. FIFPro has raised concerns over player welfare while FIFA has yet to negotiate television deals or announce prize money for the event. FIFA has received inquiries for comment regarding both the unpaid player funds and the ongoing dispute with FIFPro.

However, no official statement has emerged yet.