Unpaid £185m FIFA solidarity debt puts Club World Cup at risk

FIFA faces a crisis over an unpaid £185 million bill for solidarity payments to clubs that did not play in the 2025 Club World Cup, putting the tournament's future in doubt. UEFA has led calls for FIFA President Gianni Infantino to resign following backlash over his reversal on private investment in FIFA competitions after the recent World Cup.

The 2025 expanded Club World Cup, featuring 32 teams and hosted in the United States, saw DAZN pay £740 million for broadcast rights, with a stake later acquired by a company linked to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. While participating clubs received their prize money, the £185 million allocated for solidarity payments—intended to distribute £50,000 to every top-flight club worldwide, including those in Nigeria's Professional Football League—remains unpaid.

Preparations for the 2029 edition lack a confirmed host and agreements with top European clubs, with potential hosts including Australia/New Zealand, Brazil, Germany, Mexico, England, Qatar, or the United States. Nigerian football stakeholders should seek clarity from FIFA on the outstanding payments and monitor developments regarding the 2029 tournament's host and participation terms amid growing pressure on Infantino's leadership.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/03/infantino-fresh-fifa-scandal-erupts-over-185m-unpaid-bill/