Portsmouth to reap World Cup cash windfall if Joe Morrell earns Wales selection

If selected, the midfielder would miss at least four Blues matches when the Qatar tournament kicks off next month.

It’s an absence which begins after the November 12 trip to Morecambe, with his return date dependent on the progress of Rob Page’s side.

As a consequence, Pompey are entitled to apply for Fifa’s club benefits programme, which compensates those teams supplying players to the 2022 competition.

Fatma Samoura, secretary general at Fifa, has in the past week contacted Pompey and other affected clubs informing them of the scheme.

Reportedly $209m has been set aside to be distributed to member associations, who then must pass funds onto the clubs impacted.

At this stage, chief executive Andy Cullen is unsure how much Pompey are entitled to receive.

However, from previous experience at MK Dons, the final figure would hinge on how far Wales, in this instance, progress during the tournament.

Cullen told The News: ‘Fifa will set aside a proportion of the profits they make from the World Cup and hand it to member associations, who will then distribute it to clubs whose players feature.

‘That’s as much as we know at the moment, with the calculation mechanism similar to that implemented for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

‘We have to complete a digital application form and take it from there. I have no idea what sums we are talking about at this stage.

‘It appears to be similar to how Uefa handle the European Championships, when you have a solidarity fund and, should your players be called up in qualifying matches and the finals, you are paid compensation.

‘We had experience of that at MK Dons when Simon Church (Wales) and Lee Hodson (Northern Ireland) were called up for the 2016 Euro Championships.

‘Wales reached the semi-finals, so quite a good chunk of money came our way for those games.

‘I have no idea how it works with Fifa, all we’ve got is a form and, at this stage, that’s all I can tell from reading it.’

The 2022 World Cup will be held in Qatar between November 20 and December 18.

The deadline for countries to name expanded preliminary squad lists is October 21, which can contain up to 55 players.

The final squad, to be reduced to leave between 23-26 players, must be submitted by November 13.

Morrell, who has 30 international caps, started the Dragons’ last friendly, when they lost 1-0 to Poland in a September Nations League fixture.

He recently returned to Pompey’s starting line-up against Ipswich after recovering from a summer hernia operation.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

Whether you're gazing out over the Mediterranean or spending this summer at home, take advantage of our 50% discount on an annual sports or regular digital subscription, from just £25!

We will be on the ball with all the latest Pompey news, match coverage, off-the-pitch features, and analysis from Fratton Park all year round.

Purchase your annual digital package and use promo code SUMSP50 at checkout.