Ada Hegerberg says Emma Hayes ‘absolutely right’ over Euro 2022 prize money row

Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg has told UEFA she fully supports Chelsea manager Emma Hayes in the row over prize money for the 2022 European Championships.

UEFA recently announced that the prize pot for next summer’s tournament – which will be staged in England – has increased from £6.9million to £13.7m for the 16 participating countries.

But the amount is a fraction of the £317m which was shared between the 24 teams at the men’s Euro 2020 championship.

Responding to the increase, Blues boss Hayes recently told the BBC: “It is not enough money. It is nowhere near the amount of money that is needed.”

And speaking to the PA news agency, Hegerberg said: “Emma Hayes made a comment on that topic, and she is absolutely right.

“I am a player and from my perspective my job is to perform. But what is important in this subject is we are not in a position where we should be thankful about everything that is given to us.

“I know without performance nothing follows after, but that doesn’t mean you have to be thankful. Some things should be a bare minimum.”

Hegerberg’s remarks carry significant weight. The 26-year-old Norwegian, a five-time Champions League winner with Lyon, made history in 2018 when she became the first woman to be presented with the Ballon d’Or.

The forward, who holds the record for the most Champions League goals, has been sidelined for almost two years following a series of injuries.

But she will be in Lyon’s squad for the opening fixture of their European campaign against Hacken in Sweden on Tuesday.

“I am going to be honest, it has been very tough and mentally challenging,” said Hegerberg reflecting on her 20-month injury lay-off.

“But I am looking at it in a positive manner. I have grown incredibly, as a woman and as a footballer, and it gives me strength for the next years because it has shaped me.

“I have missed the football, the fans, my team-mates and I will never ever take football for granted again. I am pumped, buzzing and ready to give the best of myself for the next part of my career.”

Hayes’ Chelsea, beaten in last season’s final by Barcelona, have been drawn in Group A with Wolfsburg, Juventus and Swiss side Servette. Arsenal will play Barcelona, Hoffenheim and HB Koge of Denmark in their group matches.

All 61 games will be shown live following a landmark agreement with streaming platform Dazn and partner YouTube.

“I feel like we have been ready for this opportunity for some years now,” added Hegerberg. “It is a huge deal and I am beyond excited.

“It provides us with a platform and puts positive pressure on us in order to perform, train harder and that is something I always focus on – how can we improve the game and stay at the highest level.