Clubs frustrated with FIFA for failing to disburse £185m Club World Cup payment

Clubs across the world are growing frustrated with FIFA over delays in distributing £185 million in promised solidarity payments from last summer’s Club World Cup, per The Guardian.

FIFA had pledged that clubs that did not take part in the expanded tournament would still receive a share of the revenue, ensuring the benefits filtered down beyond the elite.

However, more than seven months after the competition concluded, there is still no confirmed timeline for when the money will arrive or clarity on how it will be divided.

The £185m solidarity pot would equate to roughly £50,000 per top-flight club worldwide if shared equally.

While that figure may seem modest compared to the £740m in prize money distributed, with winners Chelsea earning around £84m, for many smaller clubs it could prove transformative.

In leagues where television deals are shrinking or even non-existent, a five-figure payment can be the difference between balancing the books and serious financial strain.

Executives from smaller European leagues say they have repeatedly sought answers from FIFA but have received no clear clarification on when funds will be released.

There is no suggestion that FIFA will not pay the money. The delay appears to stem from ongoing discussions over how to split the £185m between the six continental confederations.

Representation at the Club World Cup varied, complicating attempts to create a fair formula. Several confederations lack established systems for distributing such funds.

UEFA is expected to use a model similar to its existing solidarity payments for clubs that miss out on the group stages of European competition. Until final figures are agreed, no distribution can begin.

The tournament’s last-minute funding arrangements have not helped.

A £787m broadcast deal with DAZN was only finalised months before kick-off, leaving little time to establish a detailed pay-out structure.