FIFA Set to Distribute $355 million to Clubs for 2026 World Cup

• FIFA will distribute funds through an expanded Club Benefits Programme to compensate clubs that release players for World Cup qualifiers and the 2026 tournament
• Several teams will benefit from $355 million, a 70% increase from the $209 million paid after the 2022 Qatar World Cup
• This program aims to support clubs worldwide in releasing their players during international competitions

For the first time, any club that release players for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers or even the tournament proper will be compensated.

FIFA is set to distribute a staggering $355 million to clubs across the globe as part of an expanded Club Benefits Programme (CBP).

This initiative is tied to the 2026 World Cup, according to an official statement from the world's football governing body.

It marks an increase of about 70% from the $209 million that was paid out after the 2022 edition of the tournament in Qatar.

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Reports say this is an idea of a renewed memorandum of understanding between FIFA and the European Club Association (ECA), which was signed in March 2023.

It aimed at creating what is now described as a more inclusive and equitable system for global club football.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in a statement via Reuters:

"The enhanced edition of the FIFA Club Benefits Programme for the FIFA World Cup 2026 is going a step further by recognising financially the huge contribution that so many clubs and their players around the world make to the staging of both the qualifiers and the final tournament."

Recall that this initiative was first introduced during the FIFA World Cup in South Africa back in 2010.

And in 2022, no fewer than 440 clubs from 51 FIFA member associations were paid under the programme.

Now that the qualifiers have been included in the 2026 edition, the number of clubs that will receive payment is expected to rise significantly.

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According to the chairman of the ECA, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, the new idea is innovative. He said via SABC:

"Clubs play a pivotal role in the success of national team football.

"This initiative recognises every element of it, from early development through to release for the most important games."

The 2026 World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Several teams across the world release their players during the international window, and some even return to their teams injured.

Recall that Nigerian star Victor Osimhen returned to Galatasaray injured while in action for the national team.

He was in action in Nigeria's 1-0 win over Rwanda, but the striker suffered a knock and returned to his club, missing the game against South Africa.

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Source: Legit.ng