S. Korean football clubs to receive more than US$3 mln compensation for 2018 World Cup

SEOUL, Dec. 5 (Yonhap) -- South Korean football clubs will receive more than US$3 million from FIFA for releasing their players for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, with the reigning K League 1 champions set to get nearly US$700,000, data from the world football governing body showed Wednesday.

FIFA confirmed that US$209 million will be allocated to 416 clubs from 63 member associations that sent their players to the 2018 World Cup under its Club Benefits Program. The data showed a total of US$ 3,069,135 will be paid out to 10 South Korean clubs.

Nine K League clubs saw their players competing with the Taeguk Warriors, who suffered a group stage exit at the 2018 World Cup, and Suwon Samsung Bluewings were represented by Australian defender Matthew Jurman.

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, the reigning K League 1 champions, took the biggest share at US$697,595 after releasing three players. They were followed by military football club Sangju Sangmu (US$451,385), FC Seoul (US$389,832) and Suwon (US$362,240).

Seongnam FC, who sent defender Yun Young-sun, and Asan Mugunghwa FC, represented by midfielder Ju Se-jong, got the lowest compensation from FIFA among South Korean clubs at US$102,587.50 each.

Meanwhile, Manchester City topped the World Cup windfall list at US$5,003,440, followed by Real Madrid at US$4,813,830. Tottenham Hotspur, where South Korean attacker Son Heung-min plays, were third with US$4,385,792.

kdon@yna.co.kr
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