The Club Benefits Programme has seen a record distribution of €233m to 901 clubs from 55 national associations for releasing players for national team competitions. Through a mechanism agreed between ECA and UEFA, the programme saw clubs receive funding for the release of players for competitions in the last four-year cycle (2020-2024), including the 2020/21 and 2022/23 UEFA Nations League, European Qualifiers 2022–24 and UEFA EURO 2024.
This substantial increase from the previous cycle’s (2016-2020) €200m is the result of the strong and ongoing collaboration between ECA and UEFA, ensuring clubs are fairly compensated for their contribution to national team football.
Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ECA and UEFA, which was extended during the 2024 General Assembly in Athens, a structured distribution mechanism ensures clubs receive an equal share for each player released for UEFA Nations League and European Qualifiers matches, along with a fixed amount per player per day during the final tournament.
- €140m was distributed to 196 clubs for player release to the UEFA EURO 2024 Final tournament – an increase from €130m in the previous cycle.
- €100m was allocated for the release of players to the 2020/21 and 2022/23 UEFA Nations League and UEFA EURO 2024 Qualifiers.
- €93m of that allocation has been distributed, while the remaining €7m will be rolled over into the next cycle, a balance always remains due to factors such as players being released from non-European clubs.
ECA has been instrumental in advocating for increased financial returns to clubs that release players for international duty. This record-breaking distribution highlights the value of strong cooperation between ECA and UEFA in shaping policies that directly benefit hundreds of clubs.
Reflecting on the agreement, ECA Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaïfi said: “I am very pleased to see that more than 900 clubs from all corners of Europe have benefited from this unprecedented distribution under the Club Benefits Programme, which is a key pillar of UEFA and ECA’s Memorandum of Understanding. This initiative recognises that clubs play a vital role in the ongoing success of national team football through developing, employing and releasing players; and also that the national team game in turn drives the development of clubs and their communities. This harmonious relationship perfectly reflects the great collaboration between UEFA and ECA today, driving growth, innovation and the positive development of European football in the interests of all.”
ECA’s commitment to this programme ensures the essential contribution of clubs to the health and success of national team football is recognised. Hundreds of ECA clubs of all sizes have benefited from this initiative.
Federico Cherubini, CEO of Parma Calcio 1913, said: “The Club Benefits Programme is a testament to the fairness and solidarity that should underpin football. Clubs like Parma work hard to develop players who contribute to the success of national teams, and it is only right that this effort is recognised. Thanks to ECA’s role in negotiating this agreement, clubs across all levels of the football pyramid are receiving financial support that helps sustain our work in player development, ultimately enabling our club to grow.”
Angeliki Arkadi, General Manager of AEK FC, noted: “As a club we take great pride in developing players who can perform at both club and international level. This money is an important recognition of the role that clubs play in shaping national team football. Thanks to this initiative and the work of UEFA & ECA, AEK Athens will receive financial support that helps sustain our commitment to player development and long-term success on the pitch.”
Tummas Lervig, Chairman of KÍ Klaksvík, added: “For a club like KÍ Klaksvík, the Club Benefits Programme provides invaluable support. Developing players for international football requires significant investment, and this recognition from UEFA and ECA helps ensure that clubs at all levels are rewarded for their contributions. These funds will play an important role in strengthening our club, supporting our player development pathways and allowing us to continue competing at the highest possible level.”
Rebecca Corsi, Vice President & CEO of Empoli FC, said: “This initiative highlights the principle of fairness in football, ensuring that clubs at all levels are recognised for their role in developing players for the international stage. The financial support secured through ECA’s work is invaluable, helping clubs like Empoli continue investing in player development and strengthening the game as a whole.”
Thiago Scuro, CEO of AS Monaco, said: "AS Monaco FC has a proud tradition of developing young players who progress to the first team and go on to represent their countries. It’s a responsibility we take very seriously, so it’s encouraging to see clubs like ours recognised through the Club Benefits Programme. Thanks to ECA and UEFA, this support highlights that the time and patience we invest in nurturing talent can truly pay off."
For the full list of 901 clubs and the total amounts distributed, click here.