Countries that have qualified for the World Cup are increasingly concerned that the high costs associated with the tournament could result in financial losses. Several nations have voiced their fears that participating in the event might become a financial disaster, and some plan to raise the issue at the FIFA congress scheduled for later this week in Vancouver, Canada.
FIFA Allowance Cuts Stir Anger
There is significant frustration over the reduction in daily allowances provided by FIFA. During the last World Cup in Qatar in 2022, participating nations received £630 per person per day. However, for this summer's tournament, that amount has been cut to £430 per person per day, representing a one-third decrease.
Qualified teams are hoping for a reversal of some cost increases or a larger share of FIFA's profits. Their primary complaint revolves around the exorbitant costs of booking hotels and training facilities in the host nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Concerns Over Financial Viability
A FIFA source, who requested anonymity, 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. Smaller countries should be making decent money from it. It's scandalous that they are even having to consider losing money on what will be the biggest sporting event they will have ever taken part in."
The source added that there are movements to raise the issue in Vancouver and hope that a sensible resolution can be reached. The 76th FIFA Congress will take place on Thursday, bringing together representatives from all 211 member associations. Canada is hosting the congress for the second time, having previously done so in Montreal in 1976.
Debuting Nations and Broader Discontent
Four nations will make their World Cup debuts this summer: Cape Verde, Curacao, Uzbekistan, and Jordan. The issue of allowances is expected to be discussed in full during the congress.
The source further noted: "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 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, begins on June 10th and concludes with the final in New York City on Sunday, July 19th. England will be based in Kansas City and will play their group matches in Dallas, Boston, and New York. The Mirror has reached out to FIFA for comment.
