In a significant move aimed at enhancing fairness and sustainability in European football, UEFA announced a revised distribution model that will see clubs failing to qualify for UEFA competitions receiving a larger share of revenue beginning with the 2024-25 season. This development, unveiled on Wednesday, marks a pivotal step toward bolstering long-term stability and sustainable growth in European club football.
The announcement comes on the heels of UEFA and the European Club Association (ECA) signing a renewed working agreement, binding them together until the year 2030. According to UEFA, this collaboration is set to bring about positive changes in the landscape of European club football.
The altered revenue distribution system will coincide with the introduction of a fresh format for UEFA’s flagship tournaments, including the Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League. Starting from the 2024-2027 cycle, a substantial seven percent of the revenue generated by UEFA through these competitions will be earmarked for distribution among clubs that do not secure participation, a notable increase from the previous allocation of four percent.
This groundbreaking shift is poised to inject a substantial financial boost into the coffers of non-participating clubs. The European Leagues Association, an organization representing professional soccer leagues across the continent, lauded this development, estimating that it will result in a substantial increase in revenue for non-participating clubs, climbing from the current figure of 175 million euros to a staggering 308 million euros ($330.02 million).
In a statement, the European Leagues Association expressed its enthusiasm for the change, stating, “Today’s announcement will help all clubs across Europe to safeguard their competitiveness on and off the pitch while continuing to invest in youth and talent development.”
While the fundamental details of the new revenue distribution system are yet to be fully unveiled, UEFA has promised to provide further insights into the initiative at a later date. This monumental shift aims to create a more equitable financial landscape for European football, benefitting clubs across the spectrum and fostering long-term sustainability in the sport.
