Germany GM Oliver Bierhoff has criticized FIFA for its "lack of Confederations Cup funding," according to Stephan Uersfeld of ESPN.com. Germany qualified for the 2017 Confederations Cup after winning the 2014 World Cup and next June will play its group matches against Chile, Australia and the winner of the 2017 African Nations Cup. Germany has "already dropped several hints" it will field an experimental team in Russia next summer, and speaking to reporters after Saturday's draw, Bierhoff said that "such a move would be justified because of FIFA's insufficient funding for the tournament." FIFA pays a starting fee of $1.6M to every nation participating in the Confederations Cup. The winner will receive an extra $4.1M in prize money, with the total in funding adding up to $20M. According to tournament regulations, FIFA "also covers hotel and travelling costs for a total party of 40 people for every participating country, with Germany's total party of players and staff adding up to 60." Bierhoff: "I don't think it's OK that we play a tournament at a difficult time and have to pay extra. We come as the world champions, a big team" (ESPN.com, 11/28).
