A total of $209 million will be allocated through the FIFA Club Benefits Programme, which is a result of the collaboration between FIFA and the European Club Association. The funds will be distributed to 440 clubs after the release of 837 players by these clubs. This initiative highlights the significance of club football in player development and their representation at international tournaments.
As a consequence of the highly successful FIFA World Cup held in Qatar, the FIFA Club Benefits Programme will benefit clubs from 51 member associations across all six confederations. This demonstrates the positive impact of FIFA’s flagship tournament on club football. Additionally, it emphasizes the role that clubs play in nurturing players and facilitating their participation in national teams.
The FIFA Club Benefits Programme is part of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between FIFA and the European Club Association (ECA). This MoU, extended until 2030, was agreed upon during the ECA General Assembly in Budapest, Hungary, in March 2023.
Among the 440 clubs set to receive a share of the funds are not only top-tier teams but also several lower-tier clubs, such as 78 second-tier sides, 13 third-tier clubs, five fourth-tier teams, and one fifth-tier outfit.
The distribution of the $209 million is based on a daily rate of $10,950 per player. It is important to note that this amount is uniform for all players, regardless of the number of minutes they played during the tournament. The funds are divided and allocated to the club(s) where the player was registered in the two years leading up to the final competition. In accordance with standard practice, FIFA will distribute the designated amounts to the relevant clubs through their respective member associations.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his belief in the positive influence of the FIFA Club Benefits Programme on clubs worldwide. He stated, “The FIFA Club Benefits Programme is a clear example of how the FIFA World Cup has a positive impact on club football across the world.” He also highlighted the significance of the World Cup in advancing football development globally.
The European Club Association (ECA) also acknowledges the global reach of the FIFA Club Benefits Programme. ECA Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaïfi expressed his satisfaction that it extends beyond European clubs and benefits 440 clubs worldwide. He emphasized the program’s importance as one of the key elements of the renewed MoU between ECA and FIFA, particularly noting the significant increase in funding for the 2026 and 2030 editions of the FIFA World Cup, which will see $355 million distributed to clubs.
Under the terms of the newly signed MoU between FIFA and ECA, $355 million will be allocated to clubs for the 2026 and 2030 editions of the FIFA World Cup. This reflects the ongoing commitment to support and promote the development of clubs at the global level.