Sundowns to get $11m after first game at FIFA Club World Cup
By Lukman MUMIN, Accra
South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns have already pocketed USD11.55 million at the revamped FIFA Club World Cup after just one group match.
The Pretoria-based club kicked off their campaign with a 1-0 win over South Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai on Tuesday, courtesy of a goal by Iqraam Rayners. That victory, paired with the tournament’s lucrative prize structure, has guaranteed Sundowns a substantial payday.
Under FIFA’s new Club World Cup format, each of the 32 participating teams is guaranteed a base appearance fee of USD9.55 million. Sundowns’ win over Ulsan earned them an additional USD2 million in match bonus, bringing their total so far to USD11.55 million.
And there’s more to play for.
Each remaining group stage win will earn the club another USD2 million, while a draw is worth USD1 million. Advancing to the Round of 16 adds USD7.5 million. Reaching the quarterfinals secures USD13.125 million, the semifinals USD21 million, and the final USD30 million. Winning the tournament would see Sundowns collect USD40 million.
In a best-case scenario, Sundowns could walk away with $97.125 million by the end of the competition.
The financial boost further cements Sundowns’ status as the most dominant club in South African football and could widen the gap between themselves and domestic rivals like Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.
Their next Group F fixtures are against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, June 21, and Fluminense on Wednesday, June 25.
