ROLLING IN THE GREEN FILE. Mamelodi Sundowns are poised for significant financial growth with a R174 million windfall from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, enhancing their status as Africa's most valuable club. Picture: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
Image: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
Not that they were struggling for cash, but Mamelodi Sundowns will earn a handy R174 million simply for playing in the 2025 Fifa Club World Cup.
Fifa had initially targeted a much larger participation fee of $50 million (around R911 million), but apparent issues the tournament ran into over sponsorships and broadcasting revenue saw the final figure radically reduced. Teams will also be awarded around R36m per win and R18m per draw in the group stages.
A total prize money of 1 billion US dollars (R18.2 billion) was confirmed for the tournament by Fifa. The winners of the event will pocket R2.2 billion.
With the 32-team tournament set to kick-off in June in the USA, the participation fee for all the teams was confirmed this week.
Sundowns are one of four teams from Africa taking part in the tournament, alongside Al Ahly, Esperance, and Wydad Casablanca.
The Brazilians have been drawn in Group F alongside Dortmund, Fluminense, and Ulsan.
With the USA hosting the tournament, the 63 matches will be played across 12 venues around the country.
With Sundowns set to earn the R174 million minimum, it will only serve to grow its already considerable bank balance.
In 2024, Sundowns were ranked as the continent’s most valuable club according to Transfermarkt.
With Sundowns valued at around R400m, the money it will receive from the Fifa Club World Cup will still be a significant boost to their net worth.
For reference, the Premier Soccer League is set to earn around R900m in sponsorship from the Betway Premiership over the next three years.
It means as Sundowns are on track for their eighth league title in a row, it’s difficult to see any other teams genuinely challenging for top honours for years to come.