Players at 2023 Women’s World Cup to be paid fees directly by Fifa for first time

Fifa has revealed that players at the Women’s World Cup next month will earn individual fees directly from the global governing body for the first time.

The winning team’s players will receive $270,000 (£217,000) each in Australia and New Zealand, while each individual competing in the group stage will earn $30,000 (£24,000). The amount paid will increase the further the team progresses and in many cases, the figures far exceed players’ salaries at their clubs. Fifa’s 2022 benchmarking report found the average salary of paid players is $14,000 (£11,300).

The players’ union, Fifpro, has praised the move as the “outcome of tremendous global collective action by over 150 national team players”. In November, Fifpro sent a letter to Fifa signed by 150 international players calling for greater equity, both financially and in conditions, and included a demand for players to receive a significant share of prize money directly.

The players stated in the letter: “Many players at the Women’s World Cup come into the tournament as amateurs or semi-professional, which undermines their preparation and, in turn, the quality of football we see on the pitch. Many players have no agreement with their member associations to ensure they receive fair and equitable treatment, including a guaranteed World Cup compensation, for example, as a portion of World Cup prize money.

Per player (in US dollars)

Group stage $30,000

Round of 16 $60,000

Quarter-final $90,000

4th place $165,000

3rd place $180,000

2nd place $195,000

Winners $270,000

Participating member association allocation (in US dollars)

Group stage $1,560,000

Round of 16 $1,870,000

Quarter-final $2,180,000

4th place $2,455,000

3rd place $2,610,000

2nd place $3,015,000

Winners $4,2