Maccabi Tel Aviv could earn a larger FIFA compensation payment because midfielder Helio Varela is close to reaching the 2026 World Cup knockout stage with Cape Verde. Varela scored in a 2-2 draw with Uruguay, leaving Cape Verde in a strong position to advance, which would raise the club’s payout for releasing him to the tournament.
Under FIFA’s club compensation system, Maccabi Tel Aviv receives $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 that have already passed, the Israeli club has collected $160,600.
If Cape Verde is eliminated in the group stage, Varela’s total stay would reach 27 days, and Maccabi Tel Aviv would receive $197,100 for the full period. If Cape Verde and Varela advance, the club would gain at least four more days of compensation, lifting the total to $226,300. The article notes that the better Cape Verde performs, the more Maccabi Tel Aviv earns.