The President of FIFA, Mr. Gianni Infantino, and the President of the European Clubs Association, Mr. Nasser Al-Khalifi, signed a renewed memorandum of understanding between the two bodies during the 29th General Assembly of the European Clubs Association, held today, Monday, in Budapest, Hungary.
This memorandum includes the clubs' commitment to the international match calendar until 2030, which was unanimously approved by the FIFA Council on March 14, 2023. It also confirmed the European Clubs Association's support for the newly formatted FIFA Club World Cup, which will start in 2025 and feature 12 clubs from Europe. Additionally, it addresses the profit distribution program for clubs that release players to participate in the men's World Cup.
For his part, FIFA President Mr. Gianni Infantino noted, "It's an important day for the future of football and its long-term stability. I am very pleased to renew and strengthen our cooperation agreement with the European Clubs Association, especially since it is one of the most important entities representing clubs across Europe." He continued, "Gaining the European Clubs Association's approval for the new international match calendar provides the necessary balance between clubs and national football teams. As we approach many exciting projects, such as the new FIFA Club World Cup in 2025 and the inaugural FIFA Women's Club World Cup, close cooperation with clubs in Europe and around the world has become essential for the success of such events."
In turn, Mr. Nasser Al-Khalifi, President of the European Clubs Association, stated, "We are pleased to sign this historic agreement, which acknowledges the central role that clubs play in football worldwide, ensuring their proper involvement in decision-making processes regarding issues that affect them."
