(MENAFN) FIFA has announced that it will pay clubs a combined $355 million for sending their footballers to the 2026 and 2030 World Cup tournaments. The European Club Association (ECA) confirmed the news on Monday, stating that FIFA President Gianni Infantino and ECA Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between them at the 29th ECA General Assembly in Budapest, Hungary.

The Club Benefits Programme, which has historically compensated all clubs who release players for the men's World Cup, was a key achievement of the previous MoU. Under the new agreement, the Club Benefits Programme will increase from $209 million for the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup final tournaments to $355 million for the 2026 and 2030 tournaments. This represents a significant increase in funding for clubs, and is a clear sign of FIFA's commitment to supporting the sport at all levels.

The long-term deal between the ECA and FIFA will enable the two organizations to build on their close collaboration, which has existed since the birth of the ECA 15 years ago. The new term extends until Dec. 31, 2030, and is expected to provide stability and continuity for both organizations.

The announcement of the increased Club Benefits Programme has been welcomed by clubs and fans alike. It is seen as a positive step towards ensuring that clubs are properly compensated for releasing their players to represent their countries on the world stage. The increased funding will also help to support grassroots football and the development of the sport in countries around the world.

Overall, the new agreement between the ECA and FIFA represents a significant milestone for the sport of football. It reinforces the commitment of both organizations to working together to promote and develop the sport, and provides a solid foundation for future collaborations and initiatives.

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