How can Kosovo’s clubs benefit from FIFA’s $355 million fund?

FIFA has confirmed plans to distribute a record $355 million to clubs around the world, as part of a selected club benefits programme for the 2026 World Cup.

Football’s world governing body announced on Tuesday that the initiative marks an increase of almost 70 per cent from the $209 million paid to clubs after the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

The initiative is part of a renewed memorandum of understanding between FIFA and the European Club Association, signed in March 2023, which aims to create a more inclusive and equitable system for global club football.

For the first time in history, clubs releasing players for World Cup qualifiers will be compensated.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the organisation he leads is taking a further step to financially recognise the clubs’ contributions to the tournament.

“A record $355 million will be distributed to clubs for releasing their players, strengthening our strong partnership with the European Club Association and clubs around the world, as we look forward to an innovative and globally inclusive edition of the 2026 World Cup,” Infantino said.

Kosovo’s clubs could benefit financially from this programme if any of their players are called up during the 2026 World Cup qualifying matches and potentially for the World Cup itself.

For the September camp, coach Franco Foda did not include any players from Kosovo’s clubs in the squad for the matches against Switzerland and Sweden. There have been a few players in other national teams.

Kosovo will play four more matches before the end of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.