Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has released a massive $355 million fund to reward clubs worldwide, with Nigerian Premier Football League sides Enyimba and Remo Stars set to benefit handsomely for releasing players during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The global governing body confirmed the payouts under its Club Benefits Programme.
Each club that released players will receive at least $2,360 per player for every international match.
FIFA’s Council approved the programme as part of a renewed agreement with European clubs, marking a 70% increase from the 2022 edition.
Officials split the fund into two main allocations: $100 million for clubs that released players during the qualifiers and $250 million for those whose players feature in the final tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
However, FIFA kept an additional $5 million in reserve for administrative costs and further support to global club football.
During the 10-match qualifying campaign, which ran from November 2023 to October 2025, Remo Stars actively released four players.
Meanwhile, Benin Republic goalkeeper Adebiyi Obassa featured in eight matches, while Kayode Bankole and Sodiq Ismaila each played in two matches, and Togolese striker Franck Mawuena appeared in three.
As a result, Remo Stars stands to receive approximately $35,400 (about N48.14 million).
Enyimba also contributed by releasing goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo for two matches. Consequently, the Aba-based club will pocket around $4,720 (roughly N6.42 million).
More also, FIFA clarified that clubs qualify for payments even if their players did not start games, as long as they made the matchday squads.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised the programme and linked the funding boost directly to the expanded 2026 World Cup format.
“Through the FIFA World Cup 2026 Club Benefits Programme, and thanks to the inclusion of all qualifying matches for the first time, more clubs than ever before will receive a share of the financial benefits generated by the FIFA World Cup,” Infantino said.
He added that the initiative recognises clubs’ vital role in international football success. “From approximately 1,000 matches combined from qualifiers and the final tournament, this programme will deliver USD 355 million back to club football an increase of 70% compared to the last edition. This is another benefit from the expanded FIFA World Cup, providing more support across the entire football ecosystem.”