Clubs agree to full FIFA calendar and get more compensation for internationals
NOS Football–
Soccer clubs will now receive more compensation if they have to give up their players for the World Cup for country teams. It is one of the points of a new partnership between world soccer federation FIFA and ECA, the association of European soccer clubs. The agreement runs until 2030.
At the 2018 and 2022 World Cup, the total compensation amount for clubs was already $209 million, and at the 2026 and 2030 World Cups it will be increased by almost 70 percent to $355 million (€329 million). This amount will probably have to be divided among more clubs, though; as of 2026, 48 countries will participate in the World Cup, up from 32 at the end of last year.
By signing the agreement at the 29th ECA General Assembly, the clubs also agreed to the jam-packed international competition calendar. One of the changes made by FIFA is expansion of the World Cup for club teams starting in 2025. In it, 32 clubs will participate, 12 of them from Europe.
‘Important day for the future of soccer’
“We are delighted to have signed this groundbreaking agreement,” said ECA President Nasser Al-Khelaifi. “This agreement recognizes the central role of clubs in soccer worldwide.”
“This is an important day for the future of soccer and its long-term stability,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated. “We are very pleased to announce our cooperation agreement with ECA, an important stakeholder representing clubs from all over Europe.”
The agreement runs until 2030 and also includes an annual duel between the winner of the European Champions League and the winner of an intercontinental playoff tournament. In addition, there will be a World Cup vroor women’s club teams.
