$$$ rewards for success

WHO said money and/or rewards doesn’t talk…or even motivate?

The latest streak of financial presents and other monetary awards for toppling the world football giants continue to spur the little-known teams at Qatar.

It’s seldom revealed officially in the media but Saudi Arabia players’ reward with a Rolls Royce Phantom, which can cost up to £480,000, after beating Argentina left a lot of jaws gasping. 

They were reportedly gifted with the extraordinary car each by Arab Saudi royalty, something to show that Asian teams can always do the extraordinary at the world’s biggest football show.

PUBLIC HOLIDAY

Saudi King Salman even declared Wednesday a public holiday to mark the national team’s stunning victory 24 hours earlier. 

FIFA has also revealed the formal monetary rewards that the teams will receive. The set financial prizes amount to US$440 million. The winner is set to receive US$42 million, whilst the runner-up will receive US$30 million. 

Additionally, US$27 million is reserved for third place and US$25 million allocated to the fourth place winners.

RISE IN PRIZE MONEY

The FIFA prize money is in constant growth. This year’s tournament rewards mark a 29% increase from Russia 2018’s prize. Overall, this is an 80% jump since the World Cup in Brazil in 2014.

For the record, there are 32 teams participating in the tournament, which is more teams than any other World Cup. Each team will be earning an extra few million at any stage of the competition.

Motivation comes in plentiful forms but the deserved appreciation never fails to get the underdog teams to further rise to the biggest occasion.

* Suresh Nair is an award-winning sports journalist who is also a qualified international coach and international referee instructor