FIFA increases payments to clubs for release of players for next two World Cups

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FOOTBALL FIFA increases payments to clubs for release of players for next two World Cups

Shafic Kiyaga 15:42 - 28.03.2023

For the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, clubs received a combined £170.58m ($209m), but FIFA has increased its payments for each of the next two men's World Cups to £298.74m ($355m).

FIFA and the European Clubs' Association (ECA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that outlines increased payments to clubs for the release of players for the next two men's World Cups.

The MoU will run until 2030 and puts an end to months of disagreement between the two organizations.

For the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, clubs received a combined £170.58m ($209m), but FIFA has increased its payments for each of the next two men's World Cups to £298.74m ($355m).

The next men's World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in June and July 2026.

Initially, FIFA President Gianni Infantino had proposed the idea of a biennial World Cup, but this was met with huge opposition from the ECA and UEFA.

Instead, an expanded 32-team Club World Cup featuring 12 European teams will be launched in 2025.

Despite opposition from leagues and unease among player unions, UEFA and the ECA have provided support for this.

The ECA has also supported FIFA's plan for a player welfare taskforce, which FIFPRO believes is essential.

The new international match calendar, as agreed upon in the MoU, will also feature an annual match between the Champions League winner and the winner of an intercontinental playoff.

Agreement has also been reached on the concept of a Women's Club World Cup, although the format of this is still to be decided.

The precise format for the Club World Cup is also yet to be determined, but the four winners prior to the tournament up to 2024 will be included, and Chelsea is already guaranteed entry after winning the 2021 Champions League.

During the ECA general assembly in Budapest, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and UEFA counterpart Aleksander Ceferin were present for the announcement.

ECA Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who is also the president of Paris St-Germain, praised the close relationship between the ECA and UEFA.

Al-Khalifi rebuked Juventus, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, who are awaiting a ruling from the European Courts of Justice over UEFA's monopoly position, which they believe has put barriers in the way of their cherished European Super League concept.

Al-Khelaifi expressed his determination to drive financial prosperity and distribution for the entire football pyramid, not just the elite.

He thanked President Ceferin for the trust, respect, and common interest that now form the foundation of the ECA's relationship with UEFA.

In a statement, Infantino said that the MoU is a significant day for the future of football and its long-term stability.

FIFA and the ECA will collaborate closely to ensure the success of upcoming events, including the new FIFA Club World Cup and the new FIFA Women's Club World Cup.