Clubs frustrated over wait for Fifa to share £185m of Club World Cup money

Guardian Sport

by Exclusive by Nick Ames and Matt Hughes

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Frustration is mounting among global clubs as they await £185m in solidarity payments promised by Fifa following last summer’s Club World Cup. These payments, intended for clubs that did not participate in the tournament, were designed to distribute a portion of the event’s revenue across the football pyramid. Despite being promised a share, many clubs are still waiting with no clear timeline or formula for how the funds will be allocated more than seven months after the tournament ended. The Guardian reports that if the £185m were divided equally among top-tier clubs worldwide, each would receive approximately £50,000. However, Fifa has yet to determine a specific method for distributing the money, leaving many clubs in limbo. The delay has sparked concerns about fairness and transparency, with clubs growing increasingly impatient as they face financial uncertainty. This situation highlights the challenges of managing funds in international football and the importance of timely distribution to ensure equitable support across different levels of the sport. Clubs rely on such payments for development and sustainability, and the delay raises questions about Fifa’s commitment to maintaining trust within the global football community. For sports enthusiasts and stakeholders, this underscores the need for clear communication and efficient processes in allocating resources to uphold the integrity of international tournaments like the Club World Cup. The prolonged wait also reflects broader issues in football finance, where delays in payments can cause frustration among clubs and fans alike. As Fifa continues to navigate the complexities of distributing such a large sum, the lack of clarity has left many questioning when—and how—they will receive their share. This delay not only affects club finances but also raises concerns about the long-term impact on football’s global structure and solidarity efforts. Ultimately, this situation serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in managing funds for international football events. Clubs, fans, and stakeholders are eager for resolution, and the timely distribution of these payments will be crucial to maintaining trust and ensuring the continued growth of football worldwide.

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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/19/2026