FIFA to award Barcelona up to €2.4 million over Frenkie de Jong injury

FIFA can trigger a payment to FC Barcelona under its Club Protection Programme if Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong remains unable to play for more than 28 days following a knee ligament tear suffered at the 2026 World Cup. The programme caps compensation at €7.5 million per player, with a daily rate of €20,548 and a maximum entitlement of 365 days. Based on the length of de Jong’s absence, Barcelona could receive roughly €2.4 million, a modest boost compared with the player's €18 million annual salary.

The injury, confirmed as a medial collateral ligament rupture, was announced after the Dutch team's early exit from the tournament. Barcelona has not disclosed a specific return date, noting that conservative treatment is planned while surgery remains an option.