FIFA introduces Sh2.6 billion fund for players struggling with unpaid salaries

FIFA has announced the creation of a $20 million (Sh2.6 billion) fund to help professional footballers recover unpaid wages from clubs facing financial difficulties, as part of its new efforts to enhance player welfare and representation.

The FIFA Fund for Professional Players, which will run from 2026 to 2029, was unveiled on Sunday during a meeting in Rabat, Morocco, attended by FIFA officials and representatives from more than 30 players' unions worldwide.

The Rabat meeting built on earlier discussions held in July in New York between FIFA and player unions.

According to FIFA, the fund will provide financial assistance to players whose clubs are unable to meet salary commitments. FIFA will define the eligibility criteria and management rules in consultation with the unions.

"At FIFA, we remain committed to further enhancing player welfare and working conditions across the world by implementing concrete and meaningful measures with a view to improving football for the future," said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

"This is evident through the substantial investment that FIFA will be making through the FIFA Fund for Professional Players, and through other opportunities to engage via the various FIFA bodies."

At the same meeting, FIFA also launched the FIFA Professional Players Consultation Forum, a new platform designed to give players and their unions a stronger voice in shaping global football policy.

"The first point of agreement between the representatives present was the formalisation of the creation of the FIFA Professional Players Consultation Forum as a group to advance the collective interests of professional players around the world," said FIFA.

During the meeting, FIFA and the unions reaffirmed proposals first raised in July to safeguard player welfare. These include ensuring at least 72 hours of rest between matches, a 21-day break between seasons, and one rest day per week.

They also discussed factoring in long-distance travel and varying weather conditions when planning the international match calendar.

"These points will be further consulted with other key stakeholders, particularly in the context of the discussions on the International Match Calendar," said FIFA.

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