Laughing all the way to the bank! Mamelodi Sundowns to walk away with whopping R174 million as participation fee at 2025 Fifa Club World Cup

Mamelodi Sundowns, along with fellow African giants Al Ahly, Esperance, and Wydad Casablanca, will compete in the Fifa Club World Cup in the USA from June 14 to July 13. Masandawana have been drawn into Group F, where they will face Fluminense from Brazil, Borussia Dortmund from Germany, and Ulsan Hyundai from South Korea.

This edition marks the introduction of an expanded format, with the football governing body revealing the prize money breakdown, including what the inaugural champion will earn. Fifa President Gianni Infantino also announced that the final will feature a halftime performance similar to the NFL Super Bowl, though the artist has yet to be confirmed.

Sundowns’ participation in this global tournament is a historic moment, as they will represent South Africa on the biggest club stage. The tournament provides them with an opportunity to test themselves against the world's best and showcase their dominance beyond the PSL.

According to Fifa’s official statement, the governing body has confirmed a USD 1 billion prize pool for the 32 participating clubs in the newly expanded competition.

President Gianni Infantino stated, "The distribution model of the Fifa Club World Cup reflects the pinnacle of club football and represents the biggest-ever prize money for a football tournament," with winners set to earn up to USD 125 million.

In addition to this, Infantino highlighted an "unprecedented solidarity investment programme," targeting an additional USD 250 million to support club football worldwide. He also emphasized that all revenues from the tournament will be distributed to clubs, ensuring that "Fifa’s reserves remain untouched," and funds will be allocated towards global football development.

African clubs are set to receive a participation fee of $9.5 million (R174m) and Sundowns can boost their earnings by picking up a group stage win bonus of $2 million (R36m) per match win.

Mamelodi Sundowns' dominance in South African football is largely attributed to their financial power, allowing them to attract and retain top talent. The significant cash injection from their Fifa Club World Cup participation will further strengthen their grip on domestic and continental football.

They are in firm control of yet another PSL title, with seven games remaining and only three losses so far, the latest coming against Orlando Pirates, their closest challengers. Pirates have four games in hand and trail Sundowns by 15 points, keeping the title race somewhat alive.

This isn’t Sundowns’ first time in the competition, they previously participated in 2016 when the tournament had a different format, finishing sixth out of seven teams. However, with a revamped structure and stronger squad, they will be looking to leave a lasting impact this time around.

Many Mamelodi Sundowns players have been in action for their national teams in the Fifa World Cup qualifiers, representing South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. Upon their return, they will shift focus to a crucial cup clash against Sekhukhune United, a fixture that was postponed due to scheduling conflicts.

The game will be vital as it serves as a gateway to the Nedbank Cup semi-finals, a competition they are keen to win. With the PSL title nearly secured, Sundowns will be aiming for domestic, continental and international success to cement their status as Africa’s top club.