FIFA will pay a combined total of $355 million as compensation to all clubs who release players for competing in the following two editions of the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and 2030, the global football governing body said on Monday after renewing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the European Club Association (ECA).

The money comes from the revenues received by the national teams for their performances in the World Cup and is named the "Club Benefits Program." Most of the players who appear in the World Cup play key roles in their clubs. Usually, they go to the tournament after playing around 40, or even 50 games, in one season. Playing on behalf of the national teams not only encroached into the players' resting period, but also risks their health.

Therefore, clubs understandably want compensation. They will receive nearly 70 percent more for the World Cups in 2026 and 2030, compared with the $209 million they got for the 2018 and 2022 editions.

"We are delighted to have signed this landmark agreement," ECA chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi said. "The MoU recognizes the central role of clubs in football globally and ensures that they are properly represented in decision making around issues which affect them."

In early March, FIFA announced the new form for the Club World Cup. Instead of having seven teams compete annually, the tournament will include 32 teams and happen every four years from June 2025.

"FIFA and ECA will also now establish closer working practices on a future revamped Club World Cup, including the sporting and commercial aspects for the 2025 edition, and working together on future editions including on potential structures for managing the commercial rights going forward," Al-Khelaifi said.

FIFA also presented a restructured international calendar. According to President Gianni Infantino, the new calendar is endorsed by ECA.

"To have the new International Match Calendar endorsed by ECA provides the necessary balance between club and national team football," the FIFA chief said. "We have exciting projects ahead, including the new FIFA Club World Cup in 2025 and the new FIFA Women's Club World Cup. A close collaboration with clubs in Europe, and the rest of the world, will be essential for the success of those events."