Manchester City Tops UEFA’s Club Benefits Programme Payouts
In the world of football, where every match feels like a grand spectacle, Manchester City has once again found itself in the spotlight. This time, it’s not for their on-field exploits but for their significant contribution to international football. The Premier League giants have been allocated a whopping €5.17 million ($5.94 million) by UEFA, the most of any club, as part of the European football governing body’s Club Benefits Programme. This initiative is designed to encourage clubs to release their players for national team duties.
Now, let’s take a moment to appreciate the scale of this programme. A record €233 million was distributed to 901 clubs from all 55 member associations. This was for releasing players to national team competitions, including the 2020-21 and 2022-23 UEFA Nations League, European Championship qualifiers 2022-24, and the upcoming Euro 2024. It’s a testament to the interconnectedness of club and international football, where the success of one often feeds into the other.
But Manchester City wasn’t the only club to benefit from this programme. Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid received €4.79 million, while Inter Milan of Serie A was allocated €4.65 million. These figures highlight the global nature of football, where clubs from different leagues and countries contribute to the international stage.
So, how does this programme work? Clubs receive an equal share for each player released for each UEFA Nations League and Euros qualifying match. Additionally, there’s a fixed amount per player per day during the final tournament. It’s a fair system that ensures clubs are compensated for their players’ contributions to national teams.
Interestingly, this programme doesn’t just benefit the big clubs. Even clubs lower down the football pyramid see some financial rewards. For instance, a 10th-tier side, Yorkshire Amateur of England, received €7,300. It’s a small amount compared to the millions received by the likes of Manchester City, but for a club at that level, every euro counts.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin summed it up perfectly: “It is fantastic to see clubs of all sizes and levels, across the entire football pyramid, receiving financial rewards for their vital role in developing players who contribute to the success of our national team competitions — including the highly successful UEFA Euro 2024 final tournament.” He added, “Every success of our competitions is a shared one, and this benefits programme is another testament to that principle … When football thrives, everyone benefits.”
Let’s break down some key figures from this cycle:
- The total amount for the release of players in this cycle was €100 million, up from €70 million for the previous cycle.
- The amount for the release of players for the European Championship increased from €130 million to €140 million.
- Funds were distributed to 196 clubs from 29 UEFA member associations.
These numbers reflect the growing importance of international football and the role clubs play in it. As the sport continues to evolve, programmes like these ensure that clubs are recognized and rewarded for their contributions.
In conclusion, Manchester City’s top spot in UEFA’s Club Benefits Programme payouts is a testament to their players’ impact on the international stage. It’s a win-win situation for clubs and national teams alike, fostering a spirit of collaboration and mutual benefit. As we look forward to Euro 2024, it’s clear that the success of international tournaments is built on the foundation of club football.
Originally Written by: Reuters
