Fifa Set to Miss Equal Prize Money Promise for 2027 Women’s World Cup

Fifa promised equality. Now it appears to be falling short. Despite record revenue of $15bn from this summer’s men’s tournament, the 2027 Women’s World Cup prize pot is expected to be only about a third of the men’s total, even as it marks a historic jump.

Infantino’s Equality Target Slips Away

In 2023, Fifa president Gianni Infantino said the organisation’s ambition was equal prize money for 2027. He added: “Fifa is stepping up with actions, not just with words.”

Hopes across the women’s game were high as a result. Many expected the pot to at least match the men’s on a per-team basis.

That hope now looks set to go unfulfilled. The final decision is not expected until December’s Fifa council meeting, but the direction of travel is clear.

What Parity Would Have Looked Like

The men’s tournament featured 48 teams, while 32 sides will head to Brazil next summer. A women’s pot worth two-thirds of the men’s $655m would have been regarded as parity.

Instead, the women’s prize money is understood to be around a third of the men’s figure.

A Big Rise, but a Bigger Gap

This is not a small step. Sky News, which revealed that Fifa would not match the men’s fund, reports the women’s pot is targeted to double from $110m to $220m.

That would be a more than seven-fold increase on the 2019 finals in France. Some sources close to the negotiations are privately praising the rise.

Others are far less impressed. One senior female source called the outcome a “huge missed open goal” by Fifa.

Why Fifa Says the Gap Remains

Senior Fifa officials have reportedly spoken to leading female players to explain the decision. It is believed to be tied to the commercial income the 2027 event is expected to generate.

Infantino has previously criticised broadcasters for not paying more for the women’s tournament rights. Fifa figures show the 2023 edition drew 933 million viewers on linear television and 895 million on streaming platforms.

The Numbers Behind the Argument

The 2023 final between England and Spain in Sydney is central to the case for greater investment. According to Fifa, it had a global live audience of 67 million and reached 222 million people overall.

Other Gains for Players and Teams

Prize money is not the only area of focus. It was confirmed this month that 2027 teams will receive the same preparation money as those at the men’s tournament.

That funding has more than doubled to $2.5m per team.

Travel and Accommodation Upgrades

Every player will be guaranteed business class or chartered flights. Each will also get their own hotel room rather than sharing.

Fifa says this brings the provisions in line with the men’s World Cup. Sources at the governing body also say the women’s club benefits programme will be enhanced, with extra money ringfenced for participating players.

Fifa did not comment when contacted by the Guardian.

What Happens Next

All eyes now turn to the December Fifa council meeting, where the figures are expected to be confirmed. The numbers could still shift before then.

For now, the story is one of progress alongside a pledge left unfulfilled. A record-breaking pot may be on the way, but the gap to the men’s game will remain, and the debate over true equality is far from over.