Clubs have long carried the responsibility of developing and paying players, while having no control over the risks of international football. The CPP changes this balance by ensuring FIFA covers part of the cost when a player is sidelined due to injury with their national team.
Introduced through the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between EFC and FIFA — a landmark win for clubs worldwide — the programme recognised the vital need to protect clubs when releasing players.
What began as cover for one tournament — UEFA EURO 2012 — was quickly expanded by the FIFA Congress in 2012 to include all men’s and women’s A-national team matches on the FIFA International Match Calendar, as well as the Olympic Games.
Over time, the level of protection has grown, reflecting the increasing importance of safeguarding clubs. Today, CPP stands as a clear example of progress in creating a fairer balance between club and country.
-Initially, the CPP only covered a final tournament (the EURO 2012) but was then expanded to all A-national team matches on the IMC (including the Olympic Games)
What CPP Covers
Scope: This covers payment for temporary total disablement (TTD) if a player is accidentally injured while on official national team duty. It does not include illness, permanent injury, death, or medical treatment costs.
Matches covered: All official A-national team matches during FIFA International Match Calendar periods, including training, friendlies, travel, and rest time under the national association’s supervision.
Players protected: All professional players under a written contract with a club affiliated to a FIFA national association. Amateur players are not included.
Payment: Players can receive up to $7.5m per accident, paid daily for a maximum of 365 days after the first 28 days of absence. Payments are calculated on the player’s fixed salary only, excluding bonuses or other variable pay. Each club can claim up to €80m per year.
Existing injuries: Pre-existing injuries are excluded unless specific approval is granted for a Confederations’ final tournament, supported by medical evidence from both club and national team doctors.
Why It Matters
By protecting clubs from player injuries on international duty, the CPP builds trust between clubs and national associations. This programme means that clubs are not financially punished for supporting their players’ international careers.
This protection benefits everyone — clubs, players, national teams and fans — by keeping the game stronger and more balanced.