Sunderland set for seven-figure World Cup windfall from FIFA payments | OneFootball

Sunderland are in line for a seven-figure summer windfall from FIFA’s Club Benefit Programme as players head towards World Cup duty. According to Sunderland Echo, call-ups could lift the club’s share.

Noah Sadiki and Melker Ellborg strengthened their cases on Tuesday, both involved as DR Congo and Sweden won play-offs.

FIFA’s pot has risen to about $355 million and, for the first time, now covers qualification games. In 2022 clubs received roughly $10,000 per player for each day at the finals.

Granit Xhaka, Omar Alderete, Habib Diarra and Nilson Angulo are regulars for Switzerland, Paraguay, Senegal and Ecuador and, if fit, are locks. Sadiki is a DR Congo regular and Ellborg now has a strong chance with Sweden.

Brian Brobbey and Lutsharel Geertruida are strong contenders with the Netherlands, with Geertruida having featured in qualifying. Chemsdine Talbi started for Morocco and, after AFCON involvement, seems likely to travel. Wilson Isidor will also travel after choosing Haiti, making his first appearances and scoring during this break.

Simon Adingra and Arthur Masuaku could feature for Ivory Coast and DR Congo, though their Sunderland futures are uncertain. If all 12 make their squads, payments would cover the group stage and preparation. On 2022 rates, a minimum three-week stay equated to about £200,000 per player, rising if nations progress.

That 2022 calculation puts 12 players at roughly £2,250,000, a figure the club could surpass this year. It would still be modest beside Premier League income, but a welcome boost.

Source: Sunderland Echo