The decision of the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) to pay prize money directly to players has been revealed to be born of the organization’s desire to protect the money from being embezzled by corrupt Football Association officials.
The Secretary-General of FIFA, Ms Fatma Samoura revealed this while addressing Super Falcons of Nigeria at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup. In the development that has been widely described as “embarrassing”, Samoura told the Falcons in their dressing room after their 0-0 with the Republic of Ireland that she knows “it has been tough” and that they had to “face the reality of Nigeria,” making reference to the deep-rooted corruption going on in the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).
“It is because of you that for the first time in the history of FIFA, the FIFA women world cup prize money will be paid directly to you, the players,” Samoura said in a video posted on X by British-Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana.
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https://twitter.com/osasuo/status/1686384642478510080?s=20
Obayiuwana further noted that Samoura had mandated FIFA’s Director for Africa, Gelson Fernandes, to ensure that the players received the money as she would be leaving soon after seven years as the highest-profile woman working in the world football governing body.
In May, the NFF admitted its failure to pay outstanding wages of several months to some players and officials across levels of the national teams. The officials and players include Jose Peseiro, Super Eagles head coach, and Randy Waldrum, Super Falcons head coach.
Waldrum is reportedly owed more than $100,000, including bonuses from last year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The Super Falcons will not receive their tournament match bonuses, as FIFA has announced that all players will be paid approximately £15,760 (AUS$30,000) for participating in the group stages of the tournament.
Previously, there were supposed to be additional payments after each of Nigeria’s group games against Canada, Australia, and Ireland.
In response to the situation, the team had considered going on strike for their first match against Canada. Interestingly, Canada’s team is also embroiled in a pay dispute with their Football Association, as they seek equal pay and support similar to the men’s team.
Manager Waldrum has been vocal in expressing his criticisms regarding how the NFF is treating his players. He had previously complained about disputes over unpaid wages, substandard travel arrangements, and the cancellation of a pre-tournament camp ahead of the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. The Nigerian squad even sought assistance from the global players’ union, FIFPRO, to address these issues.
Due to the NFF’s reputation, there is growing concern that the Super Falcons will be deprived of their wages and bonuses if left in the care of the federation.
A former Arsenal player and football pundit Ian Wright was among those who added voices to the call on the NFF to pay players, whose astonishing performance in the tournament so far has received so much praise.
“Pay them!!!!!” Ian wrote on X in support of the Super Falcons, tagging the NFF.
Pay them!!!!!! @thenff ??
— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) July 27, 2023
The Nigerian ladies beat the co-hosts of the tournament, Australia 3-2 on Thursday, to set up a duel with England in the round of 16 unbeaten.