Manchester United may go into hiatus following Sunday's trip to Fulham due to the World Cup but they will still be earning a pretty penny.
That's because FIFA will pay clubs for every day each of their players is away representing their countries in this winter's tournament thanks to the organisation's Club Benefits Programme, which was launched in 2010 to compensate clubs for releasing their players. Meaning United could make millions in just over a month while the tournament is underway.
FIFA distributed approximately £157million through the scheme during the 2018 World Cup and this time around the pot has been boosted. Clubs will now receive $10,000 (£9,012) per player per every day they are away at the tournament, up from £6,440 per player per day in 2018.
Also read: Osimhen of interest to United as they draft up transfer lists
The per-day aspect applies as long as 'the relevant player remains with his national team during the 2022 World Cup and the official preparation period.'
The World Cup is condensed to 29 days this season due to its mid-season scheduling. The preparation period will begin on Monday, November 14, six days before the competition kicks off on Sunday, November 20, and each team is guaranteed to be involved in the tournament for the following 13 days until the group stage is completed.
United already have a guaranteed 14 players at the World Cup. Harry Maguire, Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw, Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, Fred, Casemiro, Antony, Raphael Varane, Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez and Facundo Pellistri have all been named in their nation's squad.
Hannibal Mejbri could make it 15 if he is picked in the Tunisia squad.
Should all 15 players go to the World Cup then United would be earning £135,180 per day for at least 19 days, meaning they are guaranteed to make £2,568,420 from this season's tournament. Considering they have representatives in several of the nations who are likely to go far in the tournament - Argentina, Brazil, France, and England - that figure could rise even further.
It's also stated that: "The compensation will be paid to all clubs for which the footballer has played in the two years prior to the FIFA World Cup 2022." Therefore, United may also be entitled to a share of money for Daniel James and Edinson Cavani.
United earned approximately £2,760,551 from the 2018 World Cup after they had 11 representatives in Russia.
READ MORE:
