How Does EFC Partner with FIFA?
Strategic Partnership In 2023, EFC and FIFA renewed their strategic partnership through to 2030, reaffirming clubs’ crucial role in global football. This agreement covers the international match calendar and cooperation on future tournaments such as the FIFA Club World Cup and FIFA Women’s Club World Cup.
Compensation for Clubs in Men’s World Cups The Club Benefits Programme will offer increased payouts — rising from USD 209 million (2018–22) to USD 355 million (2026–30) — to compensate clubs for releasing players to national teams during the World Cup cycle. For the first time, this programme will cover all FIFA World Cup games for all national associations.
Structured Player Release Framework for Women’s World Cup Before the 2023 Women’s World Cup, EFC and FIFA agreed on rules for when clubs should release players. The idea was to give players enough time to rest and also prepare properly for the tournament.
They created a special “release period” from 23–29 June, a few weeks before the World Cup started on 20 July. This gave clubs and national teams clear guidance on when players should join their national squads. The same kind of agreement has now been made for the 2025 UEFA Women’s EURO.
Shaping the FIFA Club World Cup Ahead of the inaugural 32‑team FIFA Club World Cup in 2025, our Executive Committee met in Miami with FIFA leadership. Together, they worked together on operations and agreed on an estimated USD 250 million in solidarity payments for clubs not participating—highlighting how worldwide inclusion and club support is vital in football development.
Supporting Clubs Around the World Speaking at the EFC Club Connect event in March 2025, FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development Arsène Wenger emphasised the importance of strong clubs globally. The enhanced FIFA Club World Cup will help develop talent worldwide and foster broader football growth.
Why This Matters for Football
Provides stability and fairness for clubs worldwide through solid compensation frameworks and cooperation on player welfare.
Makes sure clubs are central to global football policy, equipping them for new international competitions.
Strengthens football’s ecosystem by investing in solidarity and global competition frameworks — benefiting clubs, players and fans.