Newcastle United net FIFA windfall as Premier League clubs bank tournament payments

Newcastle United have benefitted from a FIFA initiative that rewarded clubs around the globe for releasing their players to represent their countries at the World Cup Finals.

A total of 440 clubs have benefitted from a total pot of around £160m as part of the governing body’s Club Benefits Programme. The Magpies were well represented at the tournament in Qatar after Kieran Trippier, Nick Pope and Callum Wilson were all named in the England squad, Fabian Schar featured for Switzerland, Garang Kuol received a call-up for Australia and key midfielder Bruno Guimaraes was part of the Brazil squad.

With all of United’s contingent coming through the groups stages before suffering defeats in the first two knockout rounds, the Magpies have received just over £750,000 from the programme.

Premier League champions Manchester City topped the payments after they received over £3.5million for releasing 24 players during the tournament, with cross-city rivals Manchester United rewarded with £2.5million. In total, 46 English clubs received payments, with National League club Boreham Wood the lowest-ranked after they were given £24,000 for releasing Sorba Thomas to feature for Wales.