West Ham to Receive FIFA Compensation as Player Ruled Out of Ipswich Clash – Report
West Ham United to Receive Compensation from FIFA Club Protection Programme Following Niclas Fullkrug Injury Update, per Sean Whetstone.
According to Whetstone, via the West Ham Football X account (2 October), German striker Niclas Fullkrug has taken longer than anticipated to recover from a foot injury and is expected to miss the upcoming match against Ipswich Town on 5 October.
Fullkrug reportedly sustained the injury while on international duty with Germany.
Under FIFA’s Club Protection Programme, clubs are compensated for a player’s wages if they are injured while representing their national team.
However, the first 28 days of a player’s absence are not covered. Since Fullkrug’s injury occurred on 7 September, West Ham will be compensated for his wages starting on 6 October.
The situation at West Ham regarding Fullkrug is frustrating.
The German striker, signed to solve the Hammers’ striker issues, has played only one hour of football across the first six Premier League games this season.
The club had high hopes for Fullkrug, believing he could be a reliable forward to lead Julen Lopetegui’s attack. However, he has yet to start a Premier League match due to his injury.
West Ham’s recruitment team, led by Tim Steidten, may regret not signing an additional backup forward during the summer transfer window, as the club now faces the same striker dilemma.
The team is once again relying on Michail Antonio and Danny Ings to score the goals needed to propel them up the Premier League table, despite both players being considered for departure just a few weeks ago [Evening Standard, 21 May].
While FIFA’s insurance programme will provide some compensation, it won’t fully mitigate the impact of Fullkrug’s absence.
The financial relief is small consolation for the setback of losing their key signing for such an extended period.
