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 will receive the cash windfall by allowing defender Tommy Smith to feature at the World Cup for New Zealand.
What happened?
The payment is a result of Fifa's policy to distribute money to clubs that contribute to the World Cup. Braintree could be awarded even more cash if Smith's team progresses beyond the group stages.
Why it matters for Braintree
The money is an 'absolute godsend' according to Iron manager Steve Pitt, and will help to pay himself and the players that are under contract until the end of June. It may even provide a little bit of an excess as a platform to go into next season.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| League standing | 23rd in England National League |
| Last result | Tamworth 5-1 Braintree (2026-04-25) |
What comes next?
Braintree were relegated from the National League in April and placed under a transfer embargo in May. The club expects to be paid by Fifa after the tournament ends in mid-July. Tommy Smith has described featuring at the World Cup as the 'crowning glory' of his career.
As of 24 Jun 2026, Braintree's league standing is 23rd in England National League, with 36 pts, 8W-12D-26L from 46 games, and a recent form of LLLDL. The club's last result was a 5-1 loss to Tamworth on 2026-04-25.
