SAINTS were paid over 500,000 US Dollars by FIFA for the players they released to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

FIFA paid benefits to a total of 296 clubs for releasing players to the tournament, which took place in November and December last year.

The club benefit scheme recognises the contribution clubs make to the success of the World Cup and they distributed a total of 209million USD.  

Saints received 522,883 USD, around £400,000, for their contribution to players at the World Cup. The total clubs receive is equivalent to 10,950 USD per player per day at the competition.

Centre-backs Armel Bella-Kotchap and Mohammad Salisu were the only two current Saints players at the Qatar tournament.

Both Germany and Ghana were knocked out in the group stages, although Salisu was a key player for his team after finally accepting a call-up.

Saints rank 20th among clubs in England for total fee received by FIFA. They received more than the likes of Sheffield United, Stoke City, Burnley, AFC Bournemouth and Reading.

However, Nottingham Forest, Queen’s Park Rangers, Leeds United, Crystal Palace and Everton all ranked above Saints – as well as the Premier League’s top half.