Uefa set to spread the wealth to clubs outside the European elite

Clubs that fail to qualify for Uefa ‘s competitions are set to receive a greater share of revenue from the European governing body from next season under a new distribution model announced on Wednesday. Uefa and the European Club Association (ECA) signed a renewed working agreement until 2030 which will ‘bolster long-term stability and sustainable growth in European club football’, the governing body said in a statement. The change will be effective from the start of the 2024-25 season, coinciding with a new format in Uefa’s Champions League , Europa League and Europa Conference League. Under the new model for the 2024-2027 cycle, 7% of the revenue Uefa earns from the three competitions will be distributed to clubs not competing in them, up from 4%. The European Leagues Association, which represents professional soccer leagues in Europe, said the change will result in £265m being shared among non-participating clubs, up from the current £150m. ‘Today’s announcement will help all clubs across Europe to safeguard their competitiveness on and off the pitch while keeping investing in youth and talent development,’ it said in a statement. Uefa said further details of the new system will be unveiled at a later date. Reuters