AUCKLAND, New Zealand — FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on the eve of the Women’s World Cup that although FIFA has for the first time started earmarking prize money payments to be paid to players, FIFA will still distribute money to federations rather than oversee direct payments to players.
The world governing body of soccer announced in June that every player competing in the tournament would be paid at least $30,000 by FIFA, and “we are guaranteeing prize money for players.” But Infantino said Wednesday ensuring such payments go directly to players isn’t feasible. Rather, the money will still be paid to federations, but now FIFA is asking a portion of that money to go to players.
“We have issued recommendations but we are an…
