April 24 – The umbrella body that represents Europe’s domestic leagues has urged UEFA to substantially increase the amount of money it gives clubs that do not qualify for its three club competitions.
Under UEFA’s current revenue distribution model, 75% of €3.6 billion goes to the 96 clubs that take part in the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League.
But the European Leagues, which represents 39 leagues in 33 countries, says this is an unfairly high percentage to the detriment of clubs outside that group.
“On average in the current cycle, the total amount that goes to more than 650 non-participating clubs at top-tier level across Europe is a maximum of €175 million,” European Leagues managing director Jacco Swart said after the organisation’s 46th general assembly in Prague on Friday.
“This means on average about €250,000 per club”, whereas the 32 teams who qualified for this season’s Champions League group stage all received a starting fee of €15.64 million.
With UEFA revenues set to increase to €4.8 billion from the start of the next financial cycle in 2024, Swart added: “We know the revenues are going to increase but we think it is fair and balanced to ask for a share of 10% for the non-participating clubs, which means, more or less, a doubling of the (current) percentage of 5%.”
European Leagues board member Claus Thomsen urged FIFA to reconsider its plans for an expanded Club World Cup that will feature 32 teams including 12 from Europe.
“The world does not need more club competitions in the international match calendar,” said Thomsen. “It is detrimental because there is no room. It’s not good for the players. It creates little value in the markets. It takes value out of the markets where common commercial deals are done domestically.
“If you need to pay for a new tournament, then it takes money away from another tournament. I haven’t heard that the media companies have had rising incomes lately, I’ve heard the opposite. So it’s not good. What I think FIFA should seriously consider is how to invest in the development outside Europe. I think that would be fantastic.”
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