FIFA Set to Disburse $1 Billion in Prize Money for the First Ever Club World Cup

FIFA is set to distribute a hefty $1 billion in prize money to participants of the Club World Cup happening in the United States this year, according to a source with knowledge of the ongoing negotiations who spoke with AFP on Wednesday.

This amount far exceeds the prize money provided for the previous men’s or women’s World Cups.

The global governing body of football has not revealed extensive details about the financing of this inaugural 32-team tournament, which will occur every four years, although they have recently secured a broadcaster and significant sponsorship deals.

The UK-based streaming platform DAZN was granted exclusive global broadcasting rights for the tournament, which runs from June 14 to July 13, with reports suggesting the contract is valued at approximately $1.05 billion.

FIFA has also finalised sponsorship agreements with companies including Coca-Cola, Bank of America, the Chinese electronics manufacturer Hisense, and Belgian brewing giant AB InBev.

For context, the total prize pool for the 2022 men’s World Cup in Qatar was $440 million, while the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand offered $110 million.

This season’s UEFA Champions League, boasting a new format of 36 clubs, will distribute a grand total of $2.66 billion to the participating teams.

FIFA’s expansion plans for the tournament have drawn considerable scrutiny, especially from European quarters, largely due to concerns regarding player wellbeing.

The global footballers’ union, FIFPro, along with the European Leagues association, lodged a complaint with the European Commission in October, accusing FIFA of exploiting its dominant position by overcrowding the football calendar.

UEFA also increased the size of the Champions League this season, prompting concerns from players, including Ballon d’Or recipient Rodri and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, about the possibility of a strike.

“I believe we may be nearing that point. If you ask any player, I reckon they would express the same sentiment,” Rodri remarked in September regarding the potential for a players’ strike, just before he later suffered a season-ending knee injury.

“This isn’t just Rodri’s opinion; I think it’s the consensus among players.”

The tournament will include 12 teams from Europe, six from South America, and four teams each from Asia, Africa, and North and Central America.

Auckland City and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will round out the participant roster.

However, not all sentiments have been negative; Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has affirmed that “everyone” would be keen to take part.

“Once every four years, there’s this exhilarating new competition. Everyone wants to compete in the Club World Cup,” he stated last year.

The tournament is scheduled to take place at 12 venues across 11 cities in the United States, culminating in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, which is also set to host the 2026 World Cup final.