FIFA’s mammoth sum of clubs for the next World Cups led to a conversion of the ECA

Its 29th General Assembly ECA held in Budapest, brought Europe’s top club association closer to FIFA.

The two organizations extended their cooperation agreement until 31 December 2030 after reaching an agreement to compensate clubs for the next two World Cups on the calendar.

Clubs raised $209,000,000 for the 2018 tournament and the same for the 2022 tournament for players fielded by the national teams, but that’s $355,000,000 for the 2026 tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico and for that of 2030, which Greece can claim along with Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

The increase in the amount by more than 70% is partly due to the fact that the number of national teams participating in the next two competitions has increased from 32 to 48.

The agreement reached at this level prompted the ECA to settle disagreements over the wider FIFA calendar and add new competitions, which were unanimously approved by its council on March 14.

The signed memorandum is accompanied by the ECA’s agreement that the renewed Club World Cup would be inaugurated in 2025 and held every four years with 32 teams (including 12 from Europe) adding an annual event where the winner competed against others the Champions League, with the winner of the play-offs beating the champions of other continental competitions; and the creation of the Women’s Club World Cup.

“This is an important day for the future of football and its long-term stability. We are delighted to have renewed and strengthened our partnership agreement with the ECA, a key body representing clubs from across Europe. Having the ECA’s approval for the international calendar ensures the necessary balance between clubs and national teams. We have exciting projects ahead of us, including the new 2025 Club World Cup and the Women’s Club World Cup. A close partnership with clubs in Europe, the rest of the world, will be necessary for the success of the events”, said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

ECA President Nasser Al Khelaifi argued: “We are delighted with this remarkable agreement. The memorandum recognizes the central role of clubs in world football and ensures that they are adequately represented in decision-making on matters affecting them. FIFA and ECA will be working more closely for the renewed World Cup Club Cup, also on a sporting and commercial level for 2025. We will work together on future editions, including managing commercial rights. We look forward to working closely with FIFA over the coming months and years to ensure the privileges of the new and larger men’s and women’s events spread everywhere.”