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FIFA has announced that it will splash the cash at this year’s Women’s World Cup with players to receive up to $405,000 each for participating.
Previously earning a mere $20,000 per year, Matildas players are set to enjoy a substantial financial windfall at the FIFA World Cup.
Each squad member is guaranteed a minimum payment of $45,000 for their participation in the tournament, with the potential to earn an astonishing $402,000 each if they emerge as victorious on home soil.
Furthermore, FIFA will augment funding to participating member associations, which can be utilised to cover World Cup-related expenses and, if any funds remain, directed towards domestic development.
Nations whose teams reach the group stage will receive $1.6million, with the sum significantly rising to $4.3million for the ultimate winners.
This financial boost will be particularly meaningful for first-time participants, including Haiti, Panama, the Philippines, and Zambia, who will greatly appreciate the generous support from FIFA.
Matildas players could earn over $400,000 each if Australia goes on to win the World Cup on home soil
Anticipation is building for the FIFA Women’s World Cup that will be held in Australia and New Zealand from July 20
Even countries with well-funded women’s football programs, such as many in Europe and reigning champions the United States wil;get a major boost from this windfall .
Women will compete for a total of $152million in FIFA prize money compared to the $30million shared among the 24 teams in the 2019 edition.
However, while this demonstrates significant progress, it falls short of the $440million disbursed by FIFA for the men’s World Cup in Qatar in 2022.
The global players’ union, FIFPro, has praised FIFA’s decision as a remarkable achievement resulting from collective action by more than 150 national team players.
After months of constructive negotiation with FIFA, the move stands as a testament to the players’ commitment to professionalizing the Women’s World Cup and advocating for equal prize money.
In a letter sent to FIFA President Gianni Infantino last year, the players emphasised that unequal prize money perpetuates the notion that women’s football is a financial burden rather than a contributor to the sport.
While players like Sam Kerr, who plays for Chelsea in the Premier League, command good money, many Matildas players are struggling to get by on just $20,000 a year
There are high hopes for the 10th ranked Matildas at the World Cup but they will have to get pas the might of the United States who dominate in top spot
They called for recognition that their efforts and achievements should be equally rewarded, highlighting the impact of prize money on countries’ unequal prioritisation of support between men’s and women’s national teams.
‘It also perpetuates the attitude of women’s football being a ‘cost’ rather than a contributor to football in some parts of the world,’ the letter continued.
‘This is because the same effort and achievement do not yield the same reward. We want our performance to matter, to be significant not only for us but for the entire football family in our countries and around the world.’
Heading into the Women’s World Cup as the top-ranked team, the United States continues to dominate, with no changes in the top five of the latest FIFA rankings. The Australian Matildas hold the tenth spot in the 77-nation competition.
The US has maintained its top ranking since June 2017, leading the pack ahead of Germany, Sweden, European champions England, and France.
Spain and Brazil have exchanged positions, with Spain equaling their highest-ever ranking and Brazil securing a notable victory over Germany.
The Netherlands, Canada (Australia’s Group B rivals), and Australia’s co-host New Zealand round out the top 10 and 26 respectively.
