FIFA Fund for Football Players helps players recover unpaid wages: More than 200 players at clubs in Portugal and Greece have recovered unpaid wages with the help of the FIFA Fund for Football Players. The fund was created in partnership with the FIFPRO player union to provide a safety net for players who were not receiving their salaries. The 2021 calendar year saw FIFA allocate $4 million towards applications for financial assistance. The latest payouts included 61 players in Portugal and 50 in Greece. The fund has helped 1,370 players to date, with $4 million set aside for a final round of applications in 2022.
Players at Doxa Drama, CD Aves, and Uniao da Madeira receive payments
Several clubs were suspected of closing down to avoid paying salaries and then reopening as a “phoenix” operation, which led to the creation of the FIFA Fund for Football Players. In Portugal, payments were made to 22 players from Greek club Doxa Drama, 19 from CD Aves, and 18 from Uniao da Madeira. The payments provided some relief to players who had gone without their salaries for several months.
FIFPRO legal director welcomes FIFA’s assistance
FIFPRO legal director Roy Vermeer expressed his satisfaction with FIFA’s help in ensuring that players received their due compensation. He stated that “Given that it’s deeply frustrating for players not to receive their salaries, we’re pleased that the FIFA (fund) is again providing them with a safety net to ensure that they receive part of what they are owed”. Vermeer acknowledged that the payouts provided a lifeline for the affected players and hoped that FIFA’s assistance would continue to make a difference in the lives of players who were struggling to make ends meet.
Chinese players receive payouts as well
Payments were also made to players at several clubs in China, including Shanghai Shenxin, Beijing Renhe, Taizhou Yuanda, and Guangdong South China Tiger. The FIFA Fund for Football Players has helped players across the globe recover their unpaid wages, providing critical support to players who were vulnerable to exploitation by club owners. The fund has been a vital tool in protecting the rights of players and ensuring that they receive fair compensation for their services.
The FIFA Fund for Football Players has proved to be an effective remedy for players who were not receiving their salaries. The fund has provided much-needed relief to players at clubs in Portugal and Greece, enabling them to continue playing without fear of losing their livelihoods. As the fund enters its final round of applications in 2022, the hope is that it will continue to support players worldwide and alleviate the financial burdens they face as professional athletes.