Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham set for surge in transfer windfall following new FIFA rules change

Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham set for surge in transfer windfall following new FIFA rules change

FIFA has announced a whopping 75% hike to its Club Benefit Program, which pays clubs for the release of their players during World Cup internationals. The new amount is now $355m [£290m] to be distributed worldwide as preparations begin for the 2026 version of the tournament.

The league will be hosted in North America between Canada, Mexico and the United States, with an expanded format from 30 teams to 48. This will increase the number of games from 64 to 104, with the change resulting in inflation of the schedule which is designed to increase player release for international games.

During the previous World Cup in November and December last year, a number of teams received millionaire compensation for their team involvement. The Daily Mail reports that Manchester City have benefited the most, with up to £4.5million slipping into their pockets from their 16 players on duty.

London rivals Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham join Manchester United in the top five of the English Premier League. The Blues would have won £2.46m, beating the Gunners’ £2.1m and Spurs’ £2.32m, as all three teams had more than ten representatives in the competition.

With such an increase in the pool for 2026, but more nations and teams to distribute, it remains to be seen how the money will be distributed. However, it looks like there will be a boost for these teams that they will receive from 2025 onwards from qualifying. A FIFA statement said: “The Club Benefits Programme, which compensates all clubs releasing players for the Men’s World Cup, will now increase from $209 million for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and 2022 to $355 million for 2026 and 2030 tournaments are on the rise.”

While FIFA President Gianni Infantino added: “Today is an important day for the future of football and its long-term stability.