How much does UEFA pay clubs for releasing players to national teams?
UEFA is set to distribute approximately $35.3 million among 611 clubs. How is the compensation calculated, and which team will receive the biggest payment?
UEFA will make the first payments this week under its Club Benefits Programme for the 2024/25 Nations League, distributing approximately $35.3 million among 611 clubs across its member associations.
The payment is the first under the current programme cycle and comes from approximately $116.5 million allocated to clubs releasing players for the 2024/25 and 2026/27 Nations League campaigns and Euro 2028 qualifying.
Some amateur clubs are also among the beneficiaries.
How much does a club receive for each player?
The compensation is equivalent to approximately $4,300 per player, per match.
To qualify, an eligible player must appear on his national team's squad list for Nations League or European qualifying matches.
Under the programme, clubs receive compensation for each eligible player and each match in which they are listed with their national team.
The system will change for the Euro 2028 final tournament, when compensation will be calculated per player, per day.
Which club will receive the most money?
RB Leipzig will receive the largest total payment in this first distribution.
The German club is set to collect approximately $395,000 after releasing 16 players.
However, the programme extends well beyond Europe's biggest clubs, with 611 teams benefiting from this initial payment.
Why does UEFA pay clubs?
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said the programme recognizes the essential contribution clubs make to the success of international football.
Nasser Al-Khelaifi, president of European Football Clubs (EFC), also highlighted the importance of the programme in strengthening the relationship between club and international football.
“Its reach and impact are clear, with more than 600 clubs of all sizes benefiting from this first payment,” he said.
The PSG president also stressed the role clubs play in developing players and making them available to their national teams.
How much will UEFA distribute through Euro 2028?
The current Club Benefits Programme cycle linked to Euro 2028 is expected to distribute the equivalent of approximately $273.3 million in total.
The money is divided into two main categories.
Approximately $116.5 million will go to clubs releasing players for the 2024/25 and 2026/27 Nations League campaigns and the 2027-28 European Qualifiers.
Another $156.8 million will be reserved for clubs whose players take part in the Euro 2028 final tournament.
How does UEFA's multimillion-dollar payout work?
- UEFA will initially distribute approximately $35.3 million among 611 clubs for the 2024/25 Nations League.
- Clubs can receive around $4,300 per eligible player, per match, with RB Leipzig leading this first payout at approximately $395,000.
- The full Club Benefits Programme cycle through Euro 2028 is worth the equivalent of approximately $273.3 million.
