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FIFA Club Competitions

FIFA Club Competitions

Giving European Clubs a Stronger Voice Worldwide EFC ensures that European clubs have a direct voice in the design, governance and delivery of FIFA’s men’s and women’s club competitions. By working with FIFA, EFC protects club interests, secures fair financial returns, and strengthens the role of clubs in world football.

Men’s Competitions 

  • FIFA Club World Cup  From 2025, the FIFA Club World Cup will feature 32 teams in a new expanded format. EFC has been central to shaping its structure, making sure that European clubs are represented fairly while also safeguarding solidarity payments — with an estimated USD 250 million reserved for clubs not directly participating. 

  • FIFA Intercontinental Cup  Launched in 2024, this annual competition brings together the winners of the UEFA Champions League and the leading clubs from other confederations. EFC works with FIFA to ensure the event strengthens football globally without overburdening clubs or players. 

 Women’s Competitions 

  • FIFA Women’s Club World Cup (first edition in January 2028)  FIFA has committed to launching the Women’s Club World Cup. EFC is actively involved in discussions to ensure the competition promotes the growth of the women’s game, safeguards player welfare and provides meaningful financial returns for women’s clubs. 

  • FIFA Women’s Champions Cup (first edition in January 2026)  In addition to its Women’s Club World Cup, FIFA agreed to launch an annual competition in a direct knock-out format, gathering the women’s club champion from each confederation. 

 What EFC does for FIFA Club Competitions 

  • Represent its member clubs in the commercial, sporting and operational development of the new club competitions  EFC helped set up the rules, business model, and organisation needed to launch FIFA’s new club competitions successfully. 

  • Secures financial rewards for clubs  Through the Club Benefits Programme, EFC ensured compensation for clubs releasing players to FIFA tournaments increased from USD 209 million (2018–22) to USD 355 million (2026–30). 

  • Protects Player Welfare  EFC negotiated structured player release windows for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, balancing rest, preparation and competition demands. Similar principles guide ongoing discussions around men’s and women’s competitions. 

  • Ensures solidarity across the game  EFC worked with FIFA to establish solidarity mechanisms for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup — ensuring benefits flow beyond the participating elite to smaller clubs who develop talent. 

  • Drives the global development of football  By shaping formats and advocating for investment, EFC helps ensure FIFA competitions contribute to building stronger clubs worldwide, creating more opportunities for players and fans. 

 Why This Matters 

FIFA Club Competitions bring together the best clubs and players from every continent. By working directly with FIFA, EFC ensures European clubs remain leaders on the global stage — while also ensuring fairness, player welfare and solidarity across the football pyramid.