BY Issah Olegor
Ghanaian giants Accra Hearts of Oak are poised to receive a significant financial windfall from FIFA following the inclusion of goalkeeper Benjamin Asare in the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The shot-stopper was named in the final 26-man squad by Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz for the tournament to be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico, making him the only player currently based in the Ghana Premier League to secure a place in the squad.
While Asare’s selection represents a major personal achievement and a proud moment for Hearts of Oak, it also carries enormous financial benefits for the Phobian club through FIFA’s Club Benefits Programme.
FIFA Rewarding Clubs For Releasing Players
Under FIFA’s compensation system, clubs that release players for the World Cup receive financial payments for every day their players remain involved in the competition with their national teams.
The programme provides clubs with approximately $11,000 per day per player, beginning ten days before the start of the tournament and continuing until one day after the player’s country is eliminated.
As a result, Hearts of Oak are expected to receive a minimum of around $250,000 even if the Black Stars are eliminated at the group stage.
Importantly, the compensation is paid regardless of whether the player features in matches or remains on the bench throughout the tournament.
This means Hearts of Oak will benefit financially simply because Asare is officially part of the World Cup squad.
Huge Financial Boost For The Phobians
The expected payout arrives at a crucial moment for many Ghanaian clubs, which continue to face financial challenges ranging from player salaries to infrastructure maintenance and youth development costs.
For Hearts of Oak, the FIFA compensation could provide resources to strengthen squad development, improve club facilities, invest in youth talent identification and support day-to-day operations.
The financial reward also highlights the growing importance of developing players capable of representing their countries at major international tournaments.
Reward For Producing National Team Talent
The goalkeeper has enjoyed a remarkable rise over the past two seasons, establishing himself as one of the most reliable performers in the Ghana Premier League before earning recognition at national team level.
His inclusion means Hearts of Oak will have representation at a second consecutive FIFA World Cup, further strengthening the club’s standing within Ghanaian football.
How The FIFA Club Benefits Programme Works
The FIFA Club Benefits Programme was introduced through an agreement between FIFA and the European Club Association to compensate clubs for their contribution to player development and international football.
The initiative was renewed in 2023 as part of the 2023–2026 football cycle and has become a major source of revenue for clubs whose players participate in FIFA competitions.
Under the scheme, compensation can also be shared among clubs that have registered the player during the two years preceding the World Cup.
However, as Benjamin Asare’s current club, Hearts of Oak are expected to receive the largest share of any payment associated with his participation.
