FIFA is reportedly set to increase its bonus pay-outs to female players at the next Women’s Football World Cup in 2023.

French international press agency Agence France-Press (AFP) published the report which reveals the world football governing body is moving to renegotiate player contracts. The extent of the increase has not yet been revealed, however. 

FIFA will be meeting later this week in Shanghai at its Council meeting and it is expected to confirm further self-funded investment into the women’s game. Reports have estimated around $1bn is set to be invested into the women’s game, doubling the amount, although it is less clear what this money will be used for.

Gianni Infantino, the FIFA president, has also promised to increase the prize fund awarded to the World Cup-winning women’s team to $60m from $15m. The number of teams taking part in the competition also looks to be increased from the current 24 to 32 at the next World Cup.

The governing body is also considering introducing a women’s equivalent to the men’s Club World Cup and a women’s World League – similar to the men’s Nations League.

Meanwhile, eight candidates are still in contention to hold the women’s 2023 World Cup. Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa are all bidding for the right to hold the competition, however, Belgium and Bolivia dropped out of the running after it was revealed 32 teams would be included.

Final bids from all countries must be submitted by 13 December with the winners announced on May 2020.