The England Lionesses have been left disappointed after missing out on a £50,000 bonus following their impressive run in the Women's World Cup. Despite reaching the final, a technicality in FIFA's prize money distribution means the players won't receive the additional funds.
What Went Wrong?
FIFA had initially pledged to pay each player £50,000 if their team won the tournament. However, the governing body later clarified that the bonus would only be awarded to players from the winning nation. This decision has sparked frustration among the Lionesses, who had hoped to be rewarded for their historic performance.
Team's Reaction
Sources close to the squad reveal that the players are "disappointed but not surprised" by the outcome. Many had already anticipated the possibility of missing out on the bonus due to the fine print in FIFA's regulations.
Broader Implications
This incident highlights ongoing issues with prize money distribution in women's football. While the sport has seen significant growth in recent years, players and advocates argue that more needs to be done to ensure fair compensation at all levels of the game.
The Lionesses' performance in Australia and New Zealand captured the nation's imagination, with record-breaking TV audiences and unprecedented support for women's football in England.
