In a ground-breaking move that could benefit Namibian football immensely, Fifa has announced its plans to compensate clubs that release players for the World Cup financially.
The move is part of the organisation’s expanded Club Benefits Programme (CBP) for the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
For the first time ever, clubs that release players for World Cup qualifying matches, not just the final tournament, will receive direct financial compensation.
This, according to Fifa, means that the money will be divided among all eligible clubs around the world, based on the number of players released, the number of days those players spend on international duty, and whether for qualifiers or the main tournament.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino hailed the move as “a step further in recognising the massive contribution of clubs to the success of international football.”
“Clubs are at the heart of football. This enhanced programme reinforces our solid collaboration with clubs worldwide as we all look forward to a ground-breaking and globally inclusive edition of the Fifa World Cup next year,” Infantino said.
Welcomed initiative
The programme has been welcomed with enthusiasm by Isack Hamata, from the Namibia Football Association (NFA), who sees it as a critical step toward strengthening football development in countries like Namibia.
“This has now been extended to World Cup qualifiers. Many FAs are not able to provide this kind of support, and Fifa is filling that gap for our countries. Clubs are the backbone of our national teams. They develop the players, keep them fit, and prepare them for national duty. The Fifa Club Benefits Programme now rightfully recognises that work,” he said.
Under the updated agreement between Fifa and the European Club Association (ECA), a record US$355 million (approximately N$6.7 billion) will be distributed to eligible clubs across the globe. This marks a significant increase from previous tournaments and highlights Fifa’s commitment to equity in football development.
In practical terms, clubs will be compensated for every day a player is released for national duty, including during qualifiers. This expanded scope is expected to benefit a wider array of clubs, including those in Namibia, that may never have had players reach the final tournament but consistently contribute to the national squad.
Namibia’s national team, the Brave Warriors, has completed eight matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and currently sits on 15 points in Group H. Only two crucial matches remain, against Liberia and Tunisia in October 2025. With Tunisia already securing qualification as group leaders, Namibia now shifts focus to the playoff route. The four best second-place teams across Africa’s nine qualifying groups will get another shot at making it to the World Cup. For Namibian clubs like African Stars, Blue Waters, Mighty Gunners, Chula Chula, UNAM FC, and even regional heavyweights like Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, this development could bring welcome financial relief.
“This move will encourage clubs to enforce discipline and performance. It’s a motivation for both clubs and players, knowing that international appearances come with tangible rewards,” added Hamata. Importantly, the funds will go directly to the clubs, not through the NFA. However, clubs must ensure proper registration and documentation to qualify.
Chairperson of Blue Waters Mathias Haufiku confirmed he is aware of the programme but is waiting on further explanation from the NFA or Fifa.
“I saw it on Fifa’s page, but I haven’t seen the explainer on how it’ll work. Maybe the NFA will come with a breakdown on the execution. It sounds like a good initiative,” Haufiku said.
Fifa has promised further details soon, including a registration process that clubs must follow to benefit from the programme.