FIFA sets new benchmark with $1bn prize money for Club World Cup

FIFA has announced a record $1 billion prize fund for the inaugural edition of the expanded Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13 this year.

The 32-team tournament, which will be held every four years, will offer significantly higher prize money than both the men’s and women’s World Cups, with FIFA expecting to generate around $2 billion in revenues.

In a statement, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the competition would be a “pinnacle of club football” and a demonstration of “solidarity” that benefits clubs on an unprecedented scale.

“All revenue generated by the tournament will be distributed to the participating clubs and via club solidarity across the world, as FIFA will not keep a single dollar,” he said.

The move marks a substantial financial leap from previous FIFA tournaments. By comparison, the 2022 men’s World Cup in Qatar had a total prize fund of $440 million, while the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand distributed $110 million in prize money.

Broadcast and Sponsorship Deals

FIFA has secured significant commercial backing for the tournament, with British streaming service DAZN acquiring exclusive global rights in a deal reportedly worth around one billion euros ($1.05 billion).

Sponsorship agreements have also been signed with multinational corporations, including Coca-Cola, Bank of America, Chinese electronics brand Hisense, and Belgian brewing giant AB InBev.

FIFA also confirmed that a women’s edition of the Club World Cup will be introduced from 2028.

Concerns Over Player Welfare

Despite the financial boost, FIFA’s decision to expand the tournament has been met with widespread criticism, particularly from European clubs and player unions concerned about fixture congestion and player welfare.

The global footballers’ union FIFPro and the European Leagues association filed a complaint with the European Commission in October, accusing FIFA of abusing its dominant position by overcrowding the calendar.

With UEFA also expanding the Champions League to a 36-team format this season—offering a total of 2.47 billion euros ($2.66 billion) in club payouts—several players have voiced concerns over excessive workload.

Ballon d’Or winner Rodri and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk have warned that players could consider striking over the demanding schedule.

“I think we are close to that. If you ask any player, he will say the same,” Rodri said in September, shortly before sustaining a season-ending knee injury.

FIFA has announced a record $1 billion prize fund for the inaugural edition of the expanded Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13 this year.

The 32-team tournament, which will be held every four years, will offer significantly higher prize money than both the men’s and women’s World Cups, with FIFA expecting to generate around $2 billion in revenues.

In a statement, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the competition would be a “pinnacle of club football” and a demonstration of “solidarity” that benefits clubs on an unprecedented scale.

“All revenue generated by the tournament will be distributed to the participating clubs and via club solidarity across the world, as FIFA will not keep a single dollar,” he said.

The move marks a substantial financial leap from previous FIFA tournaments. By comparison, the 2022 men’s World Cup in Qatar had a total prize fund of $440 million, while the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand distributed $110 million in prize money.

Broadcast and Sponsorship Deals

FIFA has secured significant commercial backing for the tournament, with British streaming service DAZN acquiring exclusive global rights in a deal reportedly worth around one billion euros ($1.05 billion).

Sponsorship agreements have also been signed with multinational corporations, including Coca-Cola, Bank of America, Chinese electronics brand Hisense, and Belgian brewing giant AB InBev.

FIFA also confirmed that a women’s edition of the Club World Cup will be introduced from 2028.

Concerns Over Player Welfare

Despite the financial boost, FIFA’s decision to expand the tournament has been met with widespread criticism, particularly from European clubs and player unions concerned about fixture congestion and player welfare.

The global footballers’ union FIFPro and the European Leagues association filed a complaint with the European Commission in October, accusing FIFA of abusing its dominant position by overcrowding the calendar.

With UEFA also expanding the Champions League to a 36-team format this season—offering a total of 2.47 billion euros ($2.66 billion) in club payouts—several players have voiced concerns over excessive workload.

Ballon d’Or winner Rodri and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk have warned that players could consider striking over the demanding schedule.

“I think we are close to that. If you ask any player, he will say the same,” Rodri said in September, shortly before sustaining a season-ending knee injury.

The expanded Club World Cup will feature 12 teams from Europe, six from South America, and four each from Asia, Africa, and North and Central America. Auckland City and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami complete the 32-team line-up.

While concerns persist, some figures in the game have welcomed the new competition. Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique said last year that “everyone” would want to participate.

“Once every four years, there’s this new, extremely exciting competition. Everyone wants to go to the Club World Cup,” he said.

The expanded Club World Cup will feature 12 teams from Europe, six from South America, and four each from Asia, Africa, and North and Central America. Auckland City and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami complete the 32-team line-up.

While concerns persist, some figures in the game have welcomed the new competition. Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique said last year that “everyone” would want to participate.

“Once every four years, there’s this new, extremely exciting competition. Everyone wants to go to the Club World Cup,” he said.