In a move designed to foster a more equitable playing field in European football, UEFA has announced a major increase in funds allocated to clubs not taking part in men’s continental competitions. This decision, confirmed by UEFA’s Executive Committee in Prague, marks a significant shift in the distribution of wealth within the sport.
For the upcoming 2024-27 cycle, the share designated for non-participating clubs will rise from 4% to 7% of the projected revenue threshold of €4.4 billion. This translates to a staggering €308 million, representing a nearly 80% increase compared to the previous cycle.
To further promote a more balanced distribution of funds, UEFA has implemented a cap on the amount distributed to the top five footballing federations – England, Spain, Italy, Germany, and France. These federations will now receive a fixed €10 million each. This change will allow the remaining 50 member associations to benefit from a substantial increase in funding, rising from €135 million to a total of €258 million.
The distribution of these funds will be based on a two-pronged approach: 70% will be allocated based on each association’s position in the UEFA access list, while the remaining 30% will be proportional to the earnings of the top-performing club in each association. This innovative approach aims to directly address competitive balance within domestic leagues.
The decision has been met with approval from the European Clubs Associations (ECA). ECA chairman and Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser el-Khelaifi expressed his satisfaction with the agreement, stating that the ECA had worked closely with UEFA and European Leagues to achieve a significant increase in solidarity payments for non-participating clubs, as well as a fairer distribution system for all participating clubs.
Beyond the financial adjustments, UEFA also confirmed the approval of a new strategy for women’s football, covering the period from 2024 to 2030. Further details of this strategy are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
