By Andrew Warshaw on Robben Island
Decmber 3 – After years of club versus country conflict, football’s world governing body today agreed to hand over $40 million (£24 million) to clubs whose players compete in next year’s World Cup finals.
FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke revealed that the payments were deliberately designed to cover injuries incurred in South Africa.
“It’s a way for the clubs to benefit from the World Cup,” said Valcke who added that the same amount would be allocated in 2014 in Brazil.
He made it clear, however, that nothing was being done “for free” and that this was a compromise move in exchange for clubs agreeing not to take any grievances to the civil courts.
FIFA’s move was taken in conjunction with the European Club Association, the grouping that represents over 100 clubs and is the successor of the G14 carte.
“Every club who has a player at the World Cup will receive $1,600 per day (£965), per player,” Valcke explained.
“The money will be paid 15 days before the start of the tournament and up to one day after the players’ participation in the World Cup ends.”
Valcke was speaking at a press conference following a FIFA Executive Committee meeting staged uniquely on Robben Island, the former prison island where Nelson Mandela and hundreds of other political prisoners were held during the apartheid era.
He also disclosed that prize money for the 2010 finals would be increasing by 61 percent to $420 million (£253 million).
Whoever wins the title on July 11 will collect a cool $30 million (£18 million) with the runners up receiving $24 million (£14 million) and the last-placed team $8 million (£5 million).
In addition all 32 finalists are already receiving an extra $1 million (£603 million) for preparation purposes.
FIFA also decided to keep the existing rules for the 2012 Olympic football tournament, with three over-aged players being permitted in what is an under-23 event.
A meeting will be held at FIFA headquarters in February to consider whether to change the format for future Olympics.
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