FIFA Announces $355m Club Benefit Scheme for World Cup Participation

FIFA announced a $355 million benefit scheme for clubs releasing players for the next World Cup, representing a 70% increase from the previous edition. The agreement, reached with the European Club Association (ECA), includes player participation in qualifiers for the 2026 tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

For the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, FIFA will distribute $209 million to clubs, benefiting 440 sides from 51 member associations. This move aims to provide financial support to clubs releasing players for international duty and underscores FIFA's commitment to strengthening relationships with clubs worldwide.

The significant increase in the benefit scheme reflects FIFA's efforts to ensure fair compensation for clubs contributing to the success of international tournaments.