FIFA increases emergency fund for unpaid player salaries to 5 million euros annually

FIFA has increased its emergency fund for unpaid player salaries to 5 million euros annually. This allocation totals 20 million euros over four years and runs until the end of 2029. The governing body supplemented the fund due to an increasing number of player disputes globally.

Players from clubs that entered bankruptcy or insolvency between 2023 and 2026 are eligible to benefit from the fund. Defunct clubs include Viitorul Pandurii Târgu Jiu, Poli Iași, FC Buzău, and Mioveni. Players with disputes at CFR Cluj and Petrolul may also benefit.

Romania ranked second and third globally for claims filed in previous years. More than 100 requests were submitted in 2022. Emilian Hulubei predicts Romania will rank first globally in 2027, with over 200 claims already anticipated.

Previous payouts ranged from a minimum of 9,000 euros to a maximum of 20,000 euros. These amounts were calculated via an algorithm based on total claims. Some players at Timișoara recovered up to 75,000 euros in the second year of the fund.

There were over 700 litigation cases in Romanian football last year. Expectations point to over 500 cases this year. AFAN sent documentation to CFR Cluj players via captain Mario Camora after the club entered insolvency.