ECA welcomes cash upgrade for clubs missing out on UEFA competitions
GENEVA: The European Club Association is happy with a decision by the UEFA Executive Committee to approve a significant increase in the cash share-out for clubs not participating in UEFA’s men’s club competitions for the 2024-27 cycle.
The decision was ratified today at the UEFA Executive Committee meeting in Prague after months of working group discussion between UEFA, ECA and European Leagues and the UEFA club competitions committee.
The increase in cash for non-participating clubs rises from four per cent to seven per cent 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, three per cent of projected revenues are ring-fenced for clubs knocked out in qualifying rounds, meaning 10pc of all revenues (€440m) are being provided in solidarity for clubs who do not make it to the League Phases of the three competitions.
This season the number of participating clubs in European competitions has increased to 108 clubs with a new formula of distribution for participating clubs’ allocation of revenue – more focused on current rather than historic performance – was also agreed earlier this year.
ECA chairman Nasser Al-Khelaïfi 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.
“This is now the most significant and comprehensive solidarity system in world football. Today’s decision is vital for European club football and for ECA’s over-700 members, and will be used to ensure the continual improvement of sporting, structural and governance standards within clubs.”
UEFA is insisting that also ratified that the €308m available to non-participating clubs must be used to improve or strengthen clubs’ structures and governance standards.
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