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

Sunderland are set for a seven-figure windfall this summer as a record 12 players head to the FIFA World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada. Their involvement triggers payments under FIFA’s expanded Club Benefit Programme.

According to Sunderland Echo, FIFA will distribute about €350 million, with €100 million for qualifying and €250 million for the finals. Sunderland have already banked money from the qualification phase.

Clubs are estimated to receive €2,362 for each qualifier in which a player was in the matchday squad. For Sunderland, regulars such as Noah Sadiki, Granit Xhaka and Omar Alderete are thought to have earned the club somewhere approaching €20,000.

FIFA estimates €5,000 per day, per player at the tournament, and Sunderland are guaranteed payments for the group stage and preparation. A minimum three-week stay would total around €105,000 per player and £940,000 overall. It will almost certainly top £1,000,000 once qualification money and any extended runs are added, though the 48-entrant format could narrow per club shares compared to Qatar 2022.

Sunderland’s contingent includes Granit Xhaka, Omar Alderete, Habib Diarra, Nilson Angulo, Noah Sadiki and Arthur Masuaku, with Simon Adingra, Brian Brobbey and Lutsharel Geertruida also involved.

Paraguay lost heavily to the USA in their opener and Haiti were edged by Scotland, while others started solidly. The top two in each group qualify automatically, with the eight best third-placed sides also progressing. Habib Diarra is due to make his bow against France on Tuesday, and DR Congo open against Portugal on Wednesday.

Source: Sunderland Echo