Imagine what Bafana Bafana players will do with R220-million after winning the 2010 Fifa World Cup?
That’s what they stand to pocket after football’s governing body, Fifa, announced it has increased the prize money for the 2010 showpiece by 61%.
The prize money increase was approved by the Fifa executive committee after its meeting on Robben Island on Thursday.
‘The committee approved the increase of prize money for the 2010 Fifa World Cup to $420-million, as compared to $261,4-million [332-million Swiss francs at the time) in 2006 [in] Germany. The winner will receive $30-million, while the runner-up will obtain $24-million; semifinalist teams $20-million and quarterfinalists [will receive] $18-million,†said Fifa general secretary Jerome Valcke at a press conference.
Teams that reach the round of 16 will get $9-million (R63-million), while those eliminated in the group stage will receive $8-million (R57-million).
In addition, each of the 32 qualified teams will be granted $1-million for preparation costs. Fifa will also give member associations $40-million which will go to the clubs of players that will take part in the 2010 World Cup. This money should be used for insurance should any player pick up an injury while on national duty during the tournament.
With this great incentiv, one can only hope that Bafana Bafana don’t hold the South African Football Association (Safa) to ransom like they have in previous competitions.
Meanwhile, following the recommendation of the Olympic football working group, the Fifa executive committee agreed to keep the current system of limiting teams to under-23 players — and up to three older players — for the Olympics in London in 2012.
The executive committee also agreed to increase the number of teams participating in the 2015 Fifa Women’s World Cup from 16 to 24 teams.