Countries that have secured spots in the upcoming World Cup are expressing concerns over the high costs associated with the tournament, fearing they might end up in a financial loss. Several nations are worried about the potential financial disaster the tournament could bring. Some countries plan to address this issue at the FIFA congress set to take place in Vancouver, Canada, later this week.
There is outrage over the reduction in daily allowances provided by FIFA to delegates, which have been cut by one third compared to the previous World Cup in Qatar. Teams received £630 per person per day in 2022, but this amount has been decreased to £430 for this year’s event.
These nations are hopeful for a change in some of the expenses or for FIFA to allocate them a larger share of the profits. The main grievance lies in the exorbitant costs of booking accommodations and training facilities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. A source within FIFA, who preferred to remain anonymous, stated, “There is a genuine concern that several countries may end up losing money. This tournament is the most financially rewarding sporting event globally.”
“They hope there will be a u-turn on some of the costs or that FIFA will give them a larger slice of the profits. Their principal complaint is the huge cost of booking hotels and training centres in the United States, Canada and Mexico. One FIFA source, who asked not to be identified, told the Mirror: ‘There is a real concern that several countries will actually lose money. This is the most lucrative sporting event in the world.'”
The issue of allowances will be a focal point at the 76th FIFA Congress happening on Thursday, where representatives from all 211 member associations will gather in Canada. This Congress marks the second time Canada hosts the event, with the previous one held in Montreal in 1976.
The source further added, “It’s not just the smaller nations complaining about the money. Some of the larger ones are not happy as well. It’s a problem.” The World Cup, hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, will kick off on June 10th, culminating in the final match in New York City on Sunday, July 19th.
England’s team will be based in Kansas City and will compete in their group matches in Dallas, Boston, and New York. The Mirror has reached out to FIFA for their response to these concerns.
