FIFA ready to consider financial boost after federations’ anger over 2026 World Cup payouts | OneFootball

FIFA could make a financial adjustment to ease widespread federation anger over 2026 World Cup payouts, with talks under way with UEFA. According to L'Équipe, an increase to the participation fee for qualified teams is among the options.

With three months to go, 11 June to 19 July, FIFA is also dealing with an armed conflict in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel and Iran. The event spans the United States, Canada and Mexico, and while prize money is up on Qatar, many remain unsatisfied.

Federations cite United States tax liabilities and an unfavourable dollar to euro rate cutting into revenues. They also point to steep travel, accommodation and base camp costs, and perceive an imbalance with the Club World Cup after Chelsea received 125 million dollars, around two and a half times the World Cup winners’ prize.

France and Germany have pushed hardest, with FFF president Philippe Diallo heavily engaged. A draft letter to Gianni Infantino was prepared but not sent, as UEFA assumed the lead.

Talks, including a meeting in Brussels at last month’s UEFA Congress attended by Infantino, have advanced. The 727 million dollar pot could be tweaked by lifting the 1.5 million dollar expenses allowance and the 9 million dollar participation fee for all 48 teams.

Those close to FIFA suggest a gesture is likely. Any move might be outlined by the president at the FIFA Congress on 30 April in Vancouver, with all 211 members, including the 48 teams, due.

Source: L'Équipe