More than 50 European football clubs are still waiting to receive over $250 million in solidarity payments promised by FIFA following the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, according to The Times.
The delayed payments have prompted growing concern among clubs, many of which have contacted the European Football Clubs (EFC)—the organization chaired by Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi—to seek clarification on when the funds will be distributed.
The solidarity fund was announced by FIFA more than a year ago as part of the financial benefits generated by the new Club World Cup in the United States. The money is intended for professional clubs that did not qualify for the tournament, particularly smaller clubs for whom the payments represent an important source of revenue.
FIFA: Distribution discussions are ongoing
Responding to The Times, FIFA confirmed that the $250 million solidarity fund remains available, but said discussions over the distribution mechanism are still ongoing. The governing body did not provide a timeline for when the payments will be made.
According to the report, the EFC has not received an official explanation for the delay. Within the football industry, speculation has grown that the postponement could be linked to the Club World Cup failing to meet its original financial targets. Prize money for clubs that participated in the tournament, however, has already been paid in full.
Broader governance concerns
The issue comes at a sensitive time for FIFA governance and president Gianni Infantino. The Times also reported that the governing body’s unsuccessful attempt to sell a stake in the Club World Cup to private investors has increased scrutiny of FIFA’s financial management.
The delayed solidarity payments are reportedly not an isolated case. The Jordan Football Association has publicly stated that it has yet to receive prize money earned from last season’s FIFA Arab Cup. Federation president Prince Ali bin Al Hussein criticized the delay, noting that Jordan’s national team has still not received the funds for reaching the tournament final despite FIFA highlighting its multi-billion-dollar financial reserves.
The situation has raised fresh questions over the timing of FIFA’s financial distributions, even as the organization is estimated to hold approximately $4 billion in cash reserves.