World Cup Chaos Looms: England's Sarina Wiegman Keeps Mum on FA Bonus Dispute

Sarina Wiegman acknowledges that she has not discussed the dispute between the England squad and the FA regarding their World Cup bonus. Nevertheless, she emphasizes the importance of resolving the issue. Our news outlet previously highlighted the players' continued dissatisfaction with the lack of bonuses provided by the FA for the tournament.

The players insist on receiving direct payments from the FA, in addition to their earnings from FIFA. The FA maintains that the players are already benefiting from a 300 percent salary increase compared to the previous World Cup. Nevertheless, Wiegman asserts that this matter has not been a point of discussion within the team and will not detract their focus as England begins their campaign against Haiti in Brisbane on July 22.

"I haven't received any feedback from the players regarding this matter," she informed We News. "Our primary focus has been on the game of football, and that's precisely what I have observed.

"They display unwavering concentration on football-related discussions during our meetings. I have yet to encounter any issues. However, I do acknowledge that finding a resolution is essential, and I am optimistic that it will be promptly achieved."

"I have no part in those discussions. I trust that a swift resolution is reached prior to the tournament commencing."

Under a revised system, FIFA will directly distribute payments to players, the amounts of which will progressively increase as teams progress in the tournament. These payments vary from £23,367 per player during the group stage to £210,305 awarded to each winning team.

Previously, it was left to individual national governing bodies to determine the allocation of funds, but in 2023, certain federations have agreed to provide additional payments.

Wiegman: Players happy with armband solution

Captains of the participating nations in the 'One Love' campaign, such as England and Wales, faced the risk of sporting penalties, commencing with a yellow card, if they chose to wear the rainbow bands. This act would have violated FIFA's equipment regulations. The bands were perceived as a powerful emblem of acceptance within a nation where same-sex relationships are deemed illegal.

FIFA has collaborated with the UN to develop eight officially approved armbands that can be interchanged or worn during the month-long tournament. These armbands will promote various causes, including 'uniting for indigenous peoples', 'uniting for gender equality', 'uniting for peace', 'uniting for education for all', 'uniting for zero hunger', 'uniting for ending violence against women', and 'football represents joy, peace, love, hope, and passion'.

Team captains will also have the choice to don a 'football unites the world' armband throughout the tournament, in case they prefer not to select a specific cause or endorse various causes on a round-by-round basis.

This decision has sparked criticism because none of the causes directly support the LGBTQ+ community, which includes a significant number of players participating in the 2023 World Cup, including several Lionesses.

Wiegman expressed satisfaction with the solution, stating that the players are content. She emphasized the importance of having a resolution in place prior to the tournament and highlighted the significance of the team having a say in choosing their armband. Overall, she believes that they are in a positive position regarding this matter.

When and where is the 2023 Women's World Cup?

The tournament commences on July 20th, culminating in the final on August 20th at Sydney's Accor Stadium.

The USA, reigning champions, aspire to make history by securing their third consecutive tournament victory.