FIFA has agreed to pay clubs worldwide $209 million for releasing players to the World Cup in 2018 and in 2022.
The deal with the 214-member European Club Association announced yesterday almost triples the $70 million FIFA shared among clubs from 2014 World Cup revenues.
It also settles the issue of possible compensation from FIFA for moving the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to November-December.
FIFA said the working accord — extending one which expired last year — gives the ECA more involvement in other decisions affecting club football.
"We are taking a huge step forward in promoting relations between FIFA and the clubs in a spirit of mutual and constructive cooperation," FIFA President, Sepp Blatter said in a statement.
Clubs receive money on a daily rate for as long as players are on national team duty and involved in a tournament.
The new accord also extends a FIFA insurance programme which pays the club salary of players injured while with national teams.
That project cost FIFA $88 million in the last four-year World Cup cycle.
UEFA is paying 150 million euros ($160 million) to clubs for releasing players to the 2016 European Championship. — AP
