Philippe Diallo Denies Reports of France World Cup Bonus Cuts

Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation, has denied L'Équipe’s report claiming that France’s World Cup bonuses could be reduced. He stated that he has not met with the France national team players and has never discussed bonuses with them. Diallo also stressed that the federation is in a strong financial position and remains fully committed to providing the best possible preparation conditions for the national team.

L'Équipe reported on Friday evening that, just hours before the French Cup final between Lens and Nice kicked off, the French Football Federation had been implementing budget cuts since the beginning of 2026 in an effort to reduce expenses. According to the report, because FIFA’s financial rewards for the upcoming World Cup were lower than initially expected, Philippe Diallo had spoken with France players during the March international break to ask them to accept a reduction in World Cup-related bonuses.

Speaking to RMC, Diallo firmly rejected the report from L'Équipe.

“I saw the report, and honestly, I was very surprised because everything in it is false,” Diallo said. “I have not met with the players, nor have I discussed bonuses with them. I also want to reassure everyone that the financial situation of the French Football Federation is very healthy. This year’s budget will be balanced, and next year we have even submitted a record-breaking budget. I don’t know where these claims came from, but I can clearly deny them. In any case, the federation’s goal has always been to provide the French national team with the best possible conditions to help them achieve their sporting objectives.”