PSL clubs to cash in as FIFA extends Club Benefits Programme to World Cup qualifiers

By Velile Mnyandu
16th September 2025

Premier Soccer League clubs stand to cash in from FIFA’s newly expanded Club Benefits Programme, which, for the first time, will reward teams for releasing players for World Cup qualifiers, and not just the final tournament.

FIFA has set aside $355 million (about R6.4 billion) for distribution to clubs worldwide whose players feature in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and finals.

The fund, which is almost 70% higher than the previous cycle, is part of a renewed memorandum of understanding between FIFA and the European Club Association (ECA).

Previously, only clubs with players at the finals were compensated. In 2018, Chippa United earned more than R3 million when their then-goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi represented Nigeria at the World Cup in Russia.

The new model now ensures that clubs benefit earlier in the competition.

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Locally, Mamelodi Sundowns are set to be the biggest winners, having had more players representing Bafana Bafana in the qualifiers since the current edition started two years ago.

They will be followed by Orlando Pirates, who have also had more players making the final selection for head coach Hugo Broos’ team.

Pirates were also the most represented club in the recent Broos selection, with six players, and also had Deon Hotto away with Namibia.

But it’s not just the bigger clubs that will benefit; smaller clubs, even in the Motsepe Foundation Championship with players in respective national teams on the continent, won’t be left behind.

For PSL sides, these amounts represent a significant injection. While not transformative for the financial heavyweights, for mid-table and smaller clubs, the FIFA funding can go a long way in covering operating costs or investing in youth development.

With Bafana Bafana edging closer to qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, more South African clubs stand to profit from the success of their players on the international stage.