World Cup

Chelsea Owner, Abramovich dragged into World Cup Scandal

Published

8 years ago

June 28, 2017

Like wild fire, the flames coming out of the release of dirty deals that were involved in the award of World Cup 2018 and 2022 is spreading beyond those directly involved in governing football globally.

Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich was on Tuesday night dragged into the scandal when the hitherto hidden 403 page report of former independent ethics investigator Michael Garcia, was released after it leaked to a German publication, Bild.

According the report, a football foundation linked to the Chelsea owner “destroyed” computers used by Russia’s bid team for next year’s tournament.

The 39-page findings of an investigation into the country’s successful attempt to land the game’s biggest event confirmed that Russia 2018 leased computers from the Konoplyov Football Academy, the administration of which had been taken over by Abramovich’s Academy of Football in 2006.

A summary of the report published in November 2014 said the bid committee had made “only a limited amount of documents available for review” by investigators after those computers were destroyed upon being returned to their owner.

World Cup

Nigeria’s World Cup Qualification Protest Now Blown Open

Published

2 hours ago

December 18, 2025

Kunle Solaja

"The Congolese rules say you cannot have dual nationality," NFF general secretary Mohammed Sanusi told reporters

Nigeria have submitted a petition to FIFA alleging the Democratic Republic of Congo fielded ineligible players in their African qualification play-off for next year’s World Cup, a federation (NFF) spokesperson said.

FIFA World Cup – CAF Qualifiers – Playoffs – Final – Nigeria v Democratic Republic of Congo – Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat, Morocco – November 16, 2025. Democratic Republic of Congo players line up during a penalty shootout REUTERS/Abdelmjid Rizkou

DR Congo beat Nigeria on penalties last month to keep alive their hopes of appearing at the tournament in North America, and are set to compete in an inter-confederation playoff in March where six teams will chase two places at the 48-team finals.

The NFF said several dual-nationality players had been cleared to play for DR Congo without meeting the required criteria.

“The Congolese rules say you cannot have dual nationality,” NFF general secretary Mohammed Sanusi told reporters.

“There are so many of them that have European passports, some of them French passports, some of them Dutch passports.

“FIFA regulations say once you have the passport of your country, you are eligible. As far as we are concerned, they are eligible that is why they are cleared by FIFA.

“But our contention is that FIFA was deceived into clearing them because it is not the responsibility of FIFA to make sure that the regulations of Congo are abided by.

“FIFA goes by its own regulations, and it was on the basis of what was presented to FIFA that they cleared them.

“But we are saying that it was fraudulent.”

DR Congo’s federation rejected the allegations.

“If you cannot win on the pitch, then do not try to win from the back door,” the Congolese Football Federation (Fecofa) said in a social media post.

“The World Cup has to be played with dignity and confidence. Not with lawyers tricks. Bring it on.”

FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside of business hours.

The World Cup will in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

Related Story: FIFA overturns three Malaysia matches amid player eligibility scandal

FIFA overturns three Malaysia matches amid player eligibility scandal

-Reuters

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World Cup

World Cup absence costs Nigeria at least $10.5m as FIFA confirms record payouts

Published

15 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Kunle Solaja

By Kunle Solaja.

Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has carried a high financial cost, with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) missing out on a guaranteed minimum of USD 10.5 million following FIFA’s approval of a record USD 655 million prize money pool for the tournament.

FIFA confirmed that every one of the 48 teams that qualify for the expanded World Cup in North America will receive USD 1.5 million in preparation funds, in addition to a minimum participation payout of USD 9 million for teams finishing between 33rd and 48th place.

This ensures that each participating Member Association earns at least USD 10.5 million simply for qualifying.

Nigeria’s absence from the tournament means the NFF will receive none of these funds, a significant blow at a time when many African federations rely heavily on FIFA competitions to support national team programmes, grassroots development and administrative costs.

Beyond the guaranteed participation fee, deeper progression at the World Cup would have offered Nigeria the chance to earn far more.

Teams reaching the round of 16 will earn USD 15 million, while those advancing to the quarter-finals collect USD 19 million. The champions will receive USD 50 million, with runners-up pocketing USD 33 million.

The loss goes beyond prize money. World Cup qualification typically boosts commercial revenue through sponsorships, broadcast exposure and merchandising, while also strengthening a federation’s negotiating power with partners.

Nigeria, a three-time African champion and one of the continent’s most marketable football brands, will miss out on the global visibility that comes with participation in football’s biggest event.

The financial setback also has implications for youth and grassroots development. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has stressed that revenues from the World Cup are being reinvested into global football, including the introduction of new U-15 festival-style tournaments for boys and girls from 2026.

Federations competing at the World Cup are often better positioned to leverage such programmes and funding opportunities.

For the NFF, the missed opportunity underscores the growing cost of failure to qualify for major tournaments in an era of expanding FIFA revenues.

With the 2026 World Cup offering unprecedented financial rewards, Nigeria’s absence represents not only a sporting disappointment but also a major economic loss for the country’s football ecosystem.

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World Cup

FIFA approves record $655m World Cup prize pool, launches global U-15 festivals

Published

15 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Kunle Solaja

By Kunle Solaja.

FIFA has approved a record-breaking prize money distribution of USD 655 million for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking a 50 per cent increase on the previous edition and underlining the governing body’s intention to significantly boost football development worldwide.

Under the new structure for the expanded 48-team tournament, the champions will receive USD 50 million, while runners-up will earn USD 33 million. Teams finishing third and fourth will take home USD 29 million and USD 27 million, respectively.

Sides placed between fifth and eighth will each receive USD 19 million, while teams eliminated in the round of 16 (9th–16th) will earn USD 15 million. Those finishing between 17th and 32nd place will be paid USD 11 million each, while teams ranked 33rd to 48th will receive USD 9 million.

In addition to performance-based rewards, each qualified team will be paid USD 1.5 million to cover preparation costs. This guarantees every participating Member Association a minimum of USD 10.5 million simply for qualifying for the tournament.

“The FIFA World Cup 2026 will also be groundbreaking in terms of its financial contribution to the global football community,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said.

Beyond the World Cup, the FIFA Council also confirmed the introduction of new FIFA U-15 festival-style tournaments for boys and girls, open to all 211 FIFA Member Associations, as part of a renewed push to strengthen youth development.

The first edition, featuring boys’ teams, will be staged in 2026, followed by a girls’ tournament in 2027. From 2028 onwards, Member Associations will be invited to participate in both boys’ and girls’ U-15 competitions annually.

To suit the developmental needs of young players, matches will be shorter, played on smaller pitches, and feature teams of between seven and nine players per side.

“In recent years, FIFA has stepped up its efforts to boost youth football, the results of which are plain for all to see,” Infantino said. “This is a natural next step and a very joyous one. Having FIFA U-15 festivals for boys and girls will be fundamental in FIFA’s quest to give every talent a chance all over the world.”

In another key decision, the FIFA Council approved the establishment of a post-conflict recovery fund, aimed at supporting football development in regions affected by conflict. The move follows an announcement made by Infantino at the Sharm El-Sheikh Summit for Peace in October 2025, where FIFA pledged to create a mechanism to help rebuild football structures in post-conflict environments.

The combined measures reinforce FIFA’s strategy of reinvesting World Cup revenues into prize money, youth development and football’s broader social role across the globe.

The World Cup Dollar Pot