THERE MAY BE about €290m of debt on Liverpool’s books, but every little helps – and the club will be glad to hear that it’s in line for a $700,000 (€545,000) payout as part of the first ever World Cup performance compensation fund.

FIFA’s fund – making its inaugural payouts – is intended to compensate clubs whose players are kept on international duty as a result of their countries’ performances at the World Cup, having been agreed as part of the G14 disbandment.

The payout sees Liverpool take the third-highest prize as a result of their players’ performances – the Reds are rewarded for the performances of Fernando Torres and Dirk Kuyt who both made it to the World Cup Final with Spain and the Netherlands respectively.

Javier Mascherano (Argentina, quarter-finals) and the English trio of Steven Gerrard, Glen Johnson and Jamie Carragher (round of 16) also contributed to the club’s award.

Liverpool’s award is bettered only by those given to Barcelona, who employ a large contingent of the Spanish squad, and Bayern Munich, who have a similar role with the German national side that finished third.

Chelsea will receive a payment of about €463,000 while Arsenal will receive €435,000. Manchester United will receive just €233,000 with goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar the only player to make it past the quarter-finals.