ECA welcomes UEFA solidarity payment boost for non-participating clubs

Doha, Qatar: The European Club Association (ECA), representing 713 clubs across 55 countries in Europe, yesterday welcomed the decision from the UEFA...

Doha, Qatar: The European Club Association (ECA), representing 713 clubs across 55 countries in Europe, yesterday welcomed the decision from the UEFA Executive Committee to approve a significant increase in the distribution of solidarity for clubs not participating in UEFA’s men’s club competitions for the 2024-27 cycle.

The decision was ratified yesterday at the UEFA Executive Committee meeting in Prague, Czechia and follows many months of close collaboration between UEFA, ECA and European Leagues in a dedicated Working Group and the UEFA Club Competitions Committee.

Financially, the decision means an increase in the money allocated to non-participating clubs rising from 4% to 7% of the projected revenue threshold of €4.4bn, meaning a total of €308m per year (previously €176m) is now distributed to clubs not participating in European competitions. In addition, 3% of projected revenues are ring-fenced for clubs knocked out in qualifying rounds, meaning 10% of all revenues (€440m) are provided in solidarity for clubs who do not make it to the League Phases of the three competitions.

As a reminder, the number of participating clubs in European competitions has increased to 108 clubs, thanks to ECA’s support of UEFA in reforming the formats of the three competitions; and a more equitable formula of distribution for participating clubs’ allocation of revenue – more focused on current rather than historic performance – was also agreed earlier this year.

Commenting on the decision, ECA Chairman Nasser Al Khelaifi said: “ECA has worked for many months with UEFA, in consultation with European Leagues, to drive a significant increase in solidarity for non-participating clubs – together with a more equitable distribution system for participating clubs – for the new 2024-27 cycle, benefiting clubs of all sizes across the football pyramid.”