September 25 – UEFA is to increase funds allocated to clubs not taking part in its men’s competitions, also capping the amount going to the top five federations.

“Last year, the UEFA Executive Committee approved a significant increase in the distribution of solidarity for clubs not participating in UEFA’s men’s club competitions for the 2024-27 cycle, which will see the share allocated to non-participating clubs rise from 4% to 7% of the projected revenue threshold of €4.4 billion. This translates to €308 million – an increase of nearly 80% compared to the previous cycle,” UEFA said in a statement after its executive committee in Prague.

“A cap to the distribution to the top five federations (England, Spain, Italy, Germany and France) has been confirmed, as they will receive €10 million each.”

“The funds available to the remaining 50 associations will therefore increase from the current €135 million to a total of €258 million. 70% of these amounts will be distributed based on their position in the UEFA access list, while 30% will be proportional to the amounts received by the top earning club of each association, an innovative concept expressly targeting competitive balance in domestic leagues.”

The decision was immediately welcomed by the European Clubs Associations (ECA).

“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,” ECA chairman and Paris St Germain president Nasser el-Khelaifi said in a statement.

“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 had already announced the total amount available for distribution to participating clubs in 2024/25 is €3.317 billion, of which €2.467 billion (74.38%) will go to clubs competing in the Champions League and the Super Cup; €565 million (17.02%) to clubs participating in the Europa League; and €285 million (8.6%) to clubs participating in the Conference League.

A new strategy for women’s football “for the period 2024-30” was also approved by the Executive Committee with UEFA saying details would be published “in the coming weeks”.

Milan stripped of 2027 Champions League final

In another decision, Uefa’s exco ruled that Italy’s iconic San Siro will not be allowed to host the Champions League final in 2027, opening the search for a new venue.

UEFA had given extended time for the city of Milan to show the stadium would be available during planned renovation work but authorities could not give sufficient guarantees.

As a result, Uefa “decided not to assign the final to Milan and to re-open the bidding process to appoint a suitable venue” by next June. The next two Champions League finals are being played at Bayern Munich’s stadium and the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary, respectively.

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