The glaring $58m problem facing the Matildas as they seek a place in the World Cup final on home soil
The glaring $58 million problem facing the Matildas as they seek a place in the World Cup finals on home soil
If the Matildas can complete their sporting fairytale and win the World Cup on August 20 at Sydney’s Stadium Australia, they will collect $6.7 million in prize money.
It sounds like quite the payday for Captain Sam Kerr and her teammates.
However, when you consider that the Socceroos snagged $20 million after being defeated in the Round of 16 last December, it really isn’t.
And compared to what Lionel Messi’s Argentina received as World Cup winners at the end of 2022, it’s pitiful by comparison.
La Albiceleste took home $65 million in Qatar, and while many football fans will point to revenue generated, a prize money difference of $58.3 million for the men’s and women’s World Cup winners is considered unacceptable by many fans.
If the Matildas can win the World Cup on August 20 at Sydney’s Stadium Australia, Sam Kerr (pictured) and her teammates will rake in $6.7 million in prize money
In comparison, the Socceroos collected $20 million after being defeated by Argentina in the round of 16 last December (pictured)
In the eyes of many people, FIFA is to blame.
They willingly parted ways with $680 million for the Middle East men’s tournament – but allocated only $170 million for the 2023 women’s edition, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Predictably, news of the vastly contrasting prize money amounts set many football fans on social media ablaze.
“They play at the same elite level as the men. They play for their country. Just like the men. So they should get the same,” one fan wrote.
Another supporter took a different view, saying: ‘The prize money is based on money paid to FIFA and received from broadcasting rights around the world for women’s club matches.
FIFA parted with $680 million for the men’s Middle East tournament, but allocated just $170 million for the 2023 Women’s World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand (pictured, Matildas defender Ellie Carpenter)
Australia has never played in a World Cup semi-final – in the men’s or women’s (pictured, the Matildas celebrate after beating France)
The prize money given to the winner of the Women’s World Cup is a higher percentage than FIFA actually receives for the broadcasting rights to the women’s game.
“The fact is that nobody watches women’s football (in Europe, Asia or Australia)… so if you don’t watch, you are part of the problem.”
A third felt representation of Australia on the ultimate sporting stage is priceless: ‘it shouldn’t be about money, you play for your country… you can be proud of that.’
There is no doubt that the Matildas have stolen the hearts of sports fans across the country.
Whether they’re ingrained female soccer fans or just proud Aussies is the million dollar question – but what’s not up for debate are the impressive ratings.
The overall total crowd peaked at 7.2 million during the penalty shootout triumph against Les Bleues in Brisbane on August 12, making it the most watched sporting event in Australia since Cathy Freeman won gold on the track at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.
Come Wednesday night at 8pm against arch rivals England, that figure will be toppled, with the Lionesses pre-game favourites.
The hosts are enjoying the underdog tag and Tony Gustavsson’s side are determined to maintain their collective focus.
“We know we can make it to the final,” said veteran goalkeeper Lydia Williams.
‘We are so proud of our country that we really don’t care about the ‘other’ team in that sense. “So really for us it’s just another game.”