In a historic move, FIFA has released a record prize fund total of $1 billion for the next FIFA Club World Cup. This near doubling will dramatically enhance the financial rewards awaiting each of the ten participating teams. The fund directs $525 million of this money towards guaranteed fees for the clubs. These figures span anywhere from $3.58 million to $38.19 million. The highest guaranteed fee of $38.19 million went to the top-ranked European team, and it was Real Madrid that we all presumed it would be. At the same time, Auckland City, the sole bidder from Oceania, received $3.58 million. For the first time in its history, the tournament’s winners could take home as much as $125 million, breaking the record prize pot for the event.
How the prize funds would be allocated was contingent on being able to finalize a global broadcast agreement. In December, we signed that deal with global streaming service DAZN. DAZN has been heavily backed by a Saudi Arabian state-backed sports agency. This investment strengthens their capacity to buy broadcasting rights. The distribution of the prize fund was based upon their ranking – a ranking developed from both sporting and commercial reasons. FIFA deliberately shrouded the criteria for these rankings in mystery.
Just earlier this month, FIFA President Gianni Infantino hand delivered that golden trophy from the new expanded Club World Cup to the doors of the Oval Office. He hung it there with great fanfare at the White House as a symbolic gesture. This gesture serves to highlight the global importance and reverence towards the tournament.
The Qatar 2022 World Cup had an enormous $440 million prize pool. This huge figure further highlights how big a step up has been taken when it comes to the financials for the Club World Cup. An additional $475 million will be allocated based on each team’s performance over 63 games in the tournament. This large prize pool is designed not only to reward teams that perform best, but generate more interest in club football around the world.
