FIFA to compensate all clubs releasing players for World Cup qualifiers

For the first time, the Club Benefits Programme (CBP) will directly reward all clubs releasing players, with a total fund of approximately $355 million (around €300 million).

With the new initiative beginning with the 2026 cycle, FIFA notes this represents an almost 70 per cent increase compared to the previous edition.

This measure is part of a new agreement between the global governing body and the European Club Association (ECA), signed in 2023.

Consequently, more clubs than ever before will benefit from the CBP, as FIFA explains, via Abola, "For the first time since its inception, the distribution principles of the CBP have been adjusted, now allowing all clubs whose players directly participate in World Cup qualifying matches or the final tournament to receive a share of the solidarity fund.

"This new approach means that any club releasing a player for a FIFA World Cup 26 qualifying match will now be directly compensated, regardless of whether the player ultimately participates in the final tournament. This is an additional step towards increasing solidarity and promoting a fairer and more inclusive redistribution within global club football."

"The enhanced edition of the FIFA Club Benefits Programme for the 2026 World Cup takes a significant step forward by financially recognizing the immense contribution that so many clubs and their players, worldwide, make to the realization of both the qualifying stages and the final tournament," stated FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

The ECA welcomed the implementation of the measure, emphasizing its benefit to clubs. "We are pleased to have collaborated with FIFA in developing this new program, which will ensure that even more clubs worldwide are rewarded for releasing players, supporting the continued growth of club football globally," commented Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who also heads PSG.

The registration process, allowing clubs to submit their applications, will commence at a later date. For the 2022 World Cup, approximately €180 million was distributed among 440 clubs from 51 FIFA associations, spanning all six confederations.