Speaking at the FIFA Congress in Kigali after being re-elected for a third term as president, Infantino said the total pot, including prize money as well as preparations and compensation for clubs, would be $152 million.

That’s up from $50 million in 2019 and just over $15 million at the last tournament in Canada four years ago.

The Women’s World Cup, to be held in July and August, will feature 32 teams for the first time, up from 24 teams that went to the 2019 edition, which was held in France and won by the United States.

The figure still pales in comparison to the $440 million prize money at the 32-team 2022 men’s World Cup and Infantino hit out at broadcasters and sponsors for not offering FIFA more in tournament deals.

He said some broadcasters had offered 100 times less to cover the women’s competition, despite seeing figures “very similar, maybe 20 per cent less”.

“FIFA is leading the way not only with words but with actions. Unfortunately this is not the case for everyone across the industry. Broadcasters and sponsors have to do more in this regard,” he said.

“If the broadcasters offer us 100 million for the men’s World Cup, they offer us a million or less for the women’s, and at the same time these public broadcasters … guarantee equal pay to men and women. criticize FIFA for not giving

“Offer us 20 percent less, or 50 percent less, but not 100 percent less. Women deserve much more than this and we are here to fight for them and with them, but we need to fight together.”

The increase in prize money was announced by global players’ union FIFPro, which said in a statement that “the progress announced today is a strong call for players and FIFA to actively work towards greater equity and equality for the industry.” shows intent.”

Meanwhile, Infantino said there would not be a negotiated sponsorship deal with the Saudi Tourist Board for the World Cup.

Reports of a possible deal were criticized by Football Australia and New Zealand Football officials, who said they were “shocked” and “disappointed” given the Gulf state’s poor record on women’s rights.

“There were discussions but in the end the discussions did not reach a contract,” Infantino said.

“I understand Australia trades $1.5 billion a year with Saudi Arabia and it doesn’t seem to be a problem,” he said.

“There’s a double standard that I don’t really understand, but no problem, no contract.”

AS / MW

The text of this story is published from a wire agency feed without any modification. Only the headline has been changed.