FFF asks France squad to accept lower World Cup bonuses | OneFootball

According to L'Équipe, the French Football Federation has asked the France squad to accept reduced World Cup bonuses, less than three weeks before their departure to the United States.

FFF president Philippe Diallo met the players in early spring to outline a cut. He is said to have cited lower than expected FIFA prize money, an unfavourable dollar euro rate and high tournament costs. Players are understood to have viewed it as an effort to protect FFF finances, said to be under strain.

The approach has caused confusion. Players asked why, having helped land a record €100m a year from Nike, they should haggle over match bonuses just above €20,000 per player, and why a cut followed four months after Diallo had doubled them on qualification.

Despite that windfall, the federation has sought savings across all national teams in recent months to balance the books. Cuts have hit the Technical Directorate, and the under-20s skipped the Maurice Revello Tournament, formerly Toulon, despite being holders. Until now the seniors seemed spared, so the meeting surprised some.

No decision has been taken and no agreement sealed. The squad assembles on 28 May at Clairefontaine, where leaders are likely to revisit the issue with players or senior figures. Many would have preferred to begin preparations without this, leaving Diallo to find a swift solution or hope FIFA increases the prize fund.

Source: L'Équipe