Cape Verde midfielder Helio Varela could end up generating a larger payout for Maccabi Tel Aviv after scoring in a 2-2 draw with Uruguay, which put his national team in a strong position to reach the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup. The more days Varela spends at the tournament, the more money the Israeli club receives for releasing him to international duty.
According to the report, Maccabi Tel Aviv earns $7,300 for each day Varela remains at the World Cup. The count began on June 1, when players joined their national teams ahead of the tournament. Over the 22 days since then, the club has already collected $160,600.
If Cape Verde is eliminated in the group stage, Varela’s total stay would be 27 days, giving Maccabi Tel Aviv $197,100 for the full period. If Varela and Cape Verde advance, at least four additional days would be added, raising the club’s payout to $226,300. The article notes that Varela’s goal may therefore benefit the club financially as well as sporting-wise.