Saudi promises squad cash for World Cup wins

RIYADH, June 11: Saudi Arabia will give 600,000 riyals (160,000 dollar) to each player if they make it through to the last 16 of the soccer World Cup final in Germany, Saudi newspapers said today.

Prince Sultan, head of the Saudi Soccer Federation, promised the team 100,000 riyals for each match they win and an additional 300,000 riyals if they get through Group H, which includes Spain, Tunisia and Ukraine, al-Hayat newspaper said.

The newspaper made no reference to rewards beyond the second round but said the pay-outs would be the highest ever offered by the wealthy kingdom's government for the national squad.

Saudi Arabia will play their first game against Tunisia on Wednesday.

REUTERS