FIFA will distribute a record KSh46 billion to football clubs across the globe as part of its expanded Club Benefits Programme for the 2026 World Cup.
This is a sharp rise from the KSh27 billion paid out after the 2022 tournament, representing an almost 70% increase in compensation to clubs for releasing players to national teams.
The increase stems from a landmark agreement between FIFA and the European Club Association (ECA) signed in March 2023.
Football History
For the first time in history, clubs will receive payments not only for players they release for the final World Cup tournament but also for those released during qualifying matches.
During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, 440 clubs from 51 different countries received payments under the programme.
With the 2026 World Cup expanding to 48 teams from the previous 32, and qualifiers now included in the package, FIFA expects even more clubs worldwide to benefit from the disbursements.
If distributed evenly among the 440 clubs that previously received funds, each club would get around Ks104 million.
However, actual amounts will vary depending on the number of players a club releases and how far those players progress in the competition.
Good news for Kenyan Football
For Kenyan clubs, this represents a major opportunity as players from the Kenya Premier League who participate in national team duty, whether in qualifiers or the finals, will generate income for their clubs.
The funds can be reinvested in talent development, infrastructure, and financial stability, helping to raise the standard of football in Kenya.
Clubs like Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, and Tusker FC, which regularly release players to the national team, Harambee Stars, stand to benefit financially.
This could provide much-needed revenue for player salaries, youth academies, and stadium improvements.
However, the actual share Kenyan clubs receive will depend on detailed reporting by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and strict adherence to FIFA’s distribution rules.
Proper governance and transparency will be essential to ensure that the funds reach the intended beneficiaries.
Also Read: List of Countries That Have Qualified for World Cup 2026
With many Kenyan clubs operating on limited budgets, injury compensation and insurance coverage can make the difference between maintaining financial stability and facing hardship if key players are sidelined during international fixtures.
Protection for Clubs and Players inthe World Cup
The Club Benefits Programme (CBP) not only provides financial compensation but also offers insurance and injury protection for clubs whose players are released for international duty.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted that this protection is part of a broader effort to balance interests between clubs and national teams.
“This agreement recognises the vital role clubs play in the success of international tournaments. It ensures that clubs, whether large or small, are fairly compensated for their investment in player development.”
Introduced in 2010, the scheme acknowledges that clubs bear both the cost and risk of developing talent that competes on the global stage.
Under the programme, if a player suffers a serious injury while on national team duty, FIFA compensates the club for lost wages and potential rehabilitation expenses.
This safety net is particularly important for smaller clubs that rely heavily on their star players and cannot easily absorb the financial impact of long-term injuries.
Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets: Types, Categories, and How to Buy
By ensuring clubs are financially and legally safeguarded, the CBP strengthens the relationship between club and country football, encouraging clubs to continue developing top-level players without fear of undue loss.
The 2026 World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19 in the U.S., Mexico and Canada.
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