FIFA funding delay has left more than 400 players in financial difficulties

More than 400 footballers have been in financial limbo for more than a year, awaiting payments from a FIFA-run fund designed to support players who are owed wages by their clubs.

Initially, $4 million was allocated, which was to be distributed among 420 players by September 30 last year. However, sources indicate that these payments are yet to be processed, leaving many players in dire need of financial support.

Attempts by global players’ union FIFPro to contact FIFA over the delayed payments have reportedly gone unanswered, with emails and letters addressing the issue falling silent.

The majority of affected players are believed to be in Portugal, Greece and Romania, although the group includes people from around the world.

These funds are part of the FIFA Footballers Fund (FFP), created in 2020 under an agreement between FIFA and FIFPro. According to Inside FIFA, FIFA has committed $16 million to the fund since its inception, aimed at providing financial support to players who have not been paid and who have no chance of receiving the wages agreed upon with their clubs on time.

The revelations follow a complaint filed last week by various bodies representing footballers and clubs in Europe, including FIFPro, which accuses FIFA of abusing its powers over recent changes to the international fixture calendar and the expansion of tournaments.