FIFA targets doubled Women’s World Cup prize fund
FIFA is targeting a US$220m prize fund for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, doubling the previous tournament’s allocation but falling short of Gianni Infantino’s stated ambition for parity with the men’s competition.
FIFA plans to double prize money for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil to US$220m, although the proposed increase would leave a substantial gap with the men’s tournament.The target forms part of a broader financial package covering national associations, players and clubs, with the final prize-money details still to be discussed by the FIFA Council in December.FIFA president Gianni Infantino set out his ambition before the 2023 tournament: “Our ambition would, of course, to be able to have equality in payments for the 2026 men’s and 2027 Women’s World Cup.“This is the objective we set to ourselves. FIFA is stepping up with actions not just with words… but unfortunately this is not the case with everyone across the industry. Broadcasters and sponsors, dear friends, have to do more in this respect.”The proposed US$220m fund would compare with US$110m distributed at the 2023 Women’s World Cup and US$30m in 2019, continuing a significant increase in payments across successive editions.It would nevertheless remain below half the amount required to match the men’s 2026 tournament, estimated at no less than US$511m.FIFA chief football officer Jill Ellis is understood to have spoken directly with leading women’s players about the plans, explaining the commercial position and wider investment in developing the women’s game.Players were reportedly told that prize-money parity remains an ambition for future tournaments.FIFA has already confirmed that preparation funding will rise to US$2.5m for each of the 32 participating associations, matching the amount provided to men’s teams in 2026.That takes the preparation allocation to US$80m, up from US$30.7m for the tournament in Australia and New Zealand three years ago.Players will also receive equivalent service standards to their male counterparts, including business-class travel and individual hotel rooms.The governing body is understood to be targeting a doubling of its Club Benefits Programme to US$22.6m, rewarding clubs that release players and those involved in their development.Minimum guaranteed player payments are also expected to rise from the US$30,000 introduced in 2023, alongside changes intended to improve payment delivery after complaints about delays.FIFA said: “Any surplus from the women’s showpiece will be allocated to the member associations involved, with a specific amount ring-fenced for players.”Brazil 2027 is reportedly projected to become the first profitable Women’s World Cup, with plans also being developed to share revenue with more than 140 associations that do not qualify and their players.The proposals come as FIFA’s financial resources face scrutiny, with internal correspondence indicating cash reserves of at least US$5.2bn.The Council’s December discussions will provide the next opportunity to establish the detailed distribution package, including how the proposed increases will be divided between associations, players and clubs.