FIFA increases compensation fee for players participation in the World Cup

FIFA has decided to increase their compensation fee by an additional £146 million to the clubs over the participation of the players in the World Cup.

The movie is part of the new deal signed with the European Club Association (ECA) to enhance the relationship between the two organisations.

While the clubs received around £169 million at the 2022 World Cup, FIFA will now raise the remuneration fee to £315m for the 2026 and 2030 editions.

It comes as little surprise given that the format of the World Cup will change from 2026 – played in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with the teams increasing from 32 to 48 and the matches from 64 to 104.

FIFA is also exploring a joint venture with the clubs for the rejuvenated 2025 Club World Cup, which could see top clubs in Europe receive massive financial benefits.

It is also seen as an attempt to strengthen further their relationship with the European heavyweights and prevent their involvement in the European Super League.

FIFA’s statement read: “The Club Benefits Programme, which compensates all clubs who release players for the men’s World Cup, will now increase from $209 million for the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup to $355 million for the 2026 and 2030 tournaments.”

Gianni Infantino, who was recently reelected as the president of FIFA, offered his thoughts on the new memorandum with ECA, stating that it would provide the necessary balance between the club and international football.

Infantino said: “This is a significant day for the future of football and its long-term stability. We are very happy to renew and strengthen our cooperation agreement with ECA, an important stakeholder representing clubs from all over Europe. 

“To have the new International Match Calendar endorsed by ECA provides the necessary balance between club and national team football.

“We have exciting projects ahead, including the new FIFA Club World Cup in 2025 and the new FIFA Women`s Club World Cup. A close collaboration with clubs in Europe, and the rest of the world, will be essential for the success of those events.”  

ECA chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi, also the president of Paris Saint-Germain, added: “We are delighted to have signed this landmark agreement. The MoU recognises the central role of clubs in football globally and ensures that they are properly represented in decision-making around issues which affect them.

“FIFA and ECA will also now establish closer working practices on a future revamped Club World Cup, including the sporting and commercial aspects for the 2025 edition, and working together on future editions including on potential structures for managing the commercial rights going forward.

“We look forward to working closely with FIFA over the coming months and years to ensure that the benefits of new and expanded competitions in both men’s and women’s football are properly shared across the ecosystem.”