UEFA pays 611 clubs €31.5m for Nations League releases

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) announced on Tuesday that it has allocated €31.5 million ($35.7 million) to football clubs that released players for national team duties during the 2024-2025 edition of the UEFA Nations League.

First phase of club benefits scheme

This distribution marks the initial payment cycle under UEFA’s Club Benefits Program, a framework established through a memorandum of understanding between the governing body and the European Football Clubs (EFC). The EFC organization represents more than 800 clubs across the continent.

In an official statement, UEFA clarified that these payments form part of a total fund of €104 million designated for clubs releasing players for the 2024-2025 and 2026-2027 Nations League editions, as well as for the Euro 2028 qualifiers.

Leipzig tops compensation list

A total of 611 clubs from all UEFA member associations benefit from this initiative, including several amateur teams. German side Leipzig received the highest individual compensation in this tranche, amounting to approximately €353,000, after permitting 16 of its players to participate with their respective national squads.

Portugal secured the title in the 2025 edition following a penalty shootout victory against Spain in the final match. The tournament’s 2026-2027 campaign commenced last week.