Enyimba, Remo Stars To Benefit From $355 Million FIFA’s Windfall

Former Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions Enyimba and Remo Stars are set for a financial boost after FIFA confirmed that clubs which released players during the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign will benefit from its expanded $355 million Club Benefits Programme.

FIFA announced on Tuesday, June 9, that the scheme, which rewards clubs for making players available for international duty, will for the first time cover World Cup qualifiers.

The governing body said clubs would receive at least $2,360 for every player released for each qualifying match.

“The FIFA Council has confirmed that the $355m fund agreed as part of the renewed memorandum of understanding between FIFA and European Football Clubs, which represents a 70 per cent increase compared to the 2022 edition, will be split into two distinct allocations,” FIFA said in a statement.

“A total of $100m has been reserved for clubs that released players for FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, distributed on a per-player, per-match basis. With 905 qualifying matches having been played, the anticipated benefit stands at approximately $2,360 per player, per match.

“A further $250m is to be distributed amongst clubs whose players participate in the final tournament, to be held from 11 June to 19 July 2026. Payments will be calculated on a per-player, per-day basis, taking into account both squad inclusion and the duration of each player’s involvement. The minimum expected return is approximately USD 5,000 per player, per day, with the final figures to be confirmed after the tournament.

“The remaining $5m that is kept in reserve will, following the deduction of administrative costs related to the implementation of the Programme, be allocated to the benefit of global club football based on an agreement between FIFA and EFC.”

Remo Stars are among the biggest beneficiaries from Nigeria following their contribution during the qualifiers, which ran from November 2023 to October 2025.

The club released Benin Republic goalkeeper Adebiyi Obassa for eight matches, Kayode Bankole for two matches, Sodiq Ismaila for two matches and Togolese forward Franck Mawuena for three matches.

Enyimba also contributed to the qualifying campaign by releasing goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo for two matches.

In a separate communication sent to member associations via Punch, FIFA clarified that clubs would qualify for payments as long as their players were named in matchday squads, even if they did not make an appearance.

Based on the current distribution model, Remo Stars are expected to receive about $35,400, translating to roughly ₦48.14 million at an exchange rate of ₦1,360 to the dollar. Enyimba are projected to earn about $4,720, equivalent to approximately ₦6.42 million.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the increase in funding was driven by the expansion of the 2026 World Cup and would allow more clubs around the world to benefit from the tournament’s revenues.

“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, recognising their essential contribution to the success of international football,” the football body said.

“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 per cent compared to the last edition.

“This is another benefit from the expanded FIFA World Cup, providing more support across the entire football ecosystem to the clubs that provide all the players who compete to shine on the global stage. I thank the FIFA Council and European Football Clubs for their support in making this landmark programme a reality for so many players and their clubs worldwide.”