Key facts
- FIFA is set to disburse World Cup proceeds to Russian football clubs.
- Many of these clubs are owned by entities sanctioned by the U.S. and EU.
- Spartak Moscow, owned by Lukoil, and Zenit St. Petersburg, owned by Gazprombank, are among the recipients.
- Russian clubs collectively received $1.2 million from the Russian Football Union.
- The disbursement risks violating international sanctions regimes.
FIFA is reportedly preparing to distribute funds from the World Cup to Russian football clubs, many of which are owned by entities subject to international sanctions, including major Russian oil and gas companies. An investigation by Follow the Money revealed that these payments, distributed through FIFA's Club Benefits Programme, risk violating sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union.
Among the clubs slated to receive funds is Spartak Moscow, owned by Lukoil, a significant Russian oil producer. Another club, Zenit St. Petersburg, reportedly received nearly $500,000 after the 2022 Qatar World Cup, despite being owned by Gazprombank, an entity linked to the sanctioned Russian gas giant Gazprom. Other clubs, including Dynamo Moscow, CSKA Moscow, Rubin Kazan, and Lokomotiv Moscow, also received substantial payments, with owners, principal sponsors, or directors facing direct sanctions from the U.S. or EU.
In total, Russian clubs are said to have received $1.2 million through their national association, the Russian Football Union, which is chaired by Alexander Dyukov, a Gazprom executive personally sanctioned by the United States. These payments are expected to continue following the 2026 World Cup.
Lawyer Heleen Over de Linden stated that any disbursement directly or indirectly benefiting a sanctioned person or entity is prohibited. FIFA, headquartered in Switzerland, is subject to the EU's sanctions regime. The organization has faced criticism for its handling of Russia-related issues, including displaying a map that excluded Crimea from Ukraine during the 2026 World Cup draw and lifting the ban on Russian under-17 athletes. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has also expressed support for lifting broader bans on Russian participation in international football.