World Cup cash to lift Braintree transfer embargo

Braintree Town may be lifted out of a transfer embargo due to a £175,000 "thank you" payment by Fifa.

The National League South side, from Essex, will receive the cash windfall by allowing defender Tommy Smith to feature at the World Cup for New Zealand.

They could be awarded even more cash if Smith's team progresses beyond the group stages, as clubs are paid a day rate by Fifa once the action kicks off on 11 June.

Iron manager Steve Pitt said the money was "an absolute godsend" and he would be watching Smith's progress with a keen eye.

"It will pay myself and it will pay the players that are under contract until the end of June," Pitt told the BBC.

"It will wipe the slate clean and it may even provide a little bit of an excess as a platform to go into next season."

Braintree were relegated from the National League in April and placed under a transfer embargo in May.

The club insisted its budgeting was in accordance with league rules, but admitted dwindling attendances and an overspend of the playing budget had created a shortfall.

It expects to be paid by Fifa, which dishes out money as a 'thank you' to clubs for contributing to the World Cup, after the tournament ends in mid-July.

"It's an absolute godsend and it's probably one of the biggest positives to emanate from a difficult season," Pitt added.

He hoped New Zealand would fend off group opponents Belgium, Egypt and Iran to make the knockout stages for Smith, but also as it would bring more money to the club.

Fifa said it would distribute a record $355m (£264m) in such payments in 2026, compared to $209m (£155m) at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

Smith has described featuring at the World Cup as the "crowning glory" of his career.

The former Ipswich Town and Colchester United defender, 36, joined Braintree from New Zealand side Auckland City in 2025.

Do you have a story suggestion for Essex? Contact us below.

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.