UEFA Nations League Club Payments: £27m Released This Week

UEFA will distribute £27m to clubs this week for releasing players for the 2024-25 Nations League, the first payment of a £205m Club Benefits Programme cycle covering the 2024-25 and 2026-27 Nations League, Euro 2028 qualifiers and finals. Liverpool released the most players (17) for the 2026-27 Nations League.

  • Total fund: £205m for clubs releasing players to 2024-25 and 2026-27 Nations League, Euro 2028 qualifiers and finals.
  • Payment this week: £27m to clubs with players in the 2024-25 Nations League.
  • Per-match rate: £3,285 per player named in a squad list per Nations League or Euro 2028 qualifier, a 5% increase.
  • Biggest beneficiary: RB Leipzig earn £302,000 after releasing 16 players for the 2024-25 Nations League.
  • Premier League leaders: Liverpool released 17 players for the 2026-27 Nations League, Arsenal 13, Leeds United 11.
  • Clubs involved: 611 clubs benefit from the current cycle, likely rising above 900 with Euro 2028.

The numbers

  • Total fund: £205m
  • Euros finals allocation: £120m
  • Nations League and Euros qualifiers allocation: £89m
  • Payment due this week: £27m
  • Per player, per match (Nations League/Euro qualifiers): £3,285
  • Increase on 2020-24 cycle: 5%
  • Clubs benefiting: 611 (likely over 900 with Euro 2028)
  • RB Leipzig compensation: £302,000 (16 players released)

Premier League clubs' player releases for the 2026-27 Nations League (excluding loanees):

How the Club Benefits Programme Works

UEFA operates a per-player, per-match payment model for the Nations League and Euro 2028 qualifiers, switching to per-player, per-day for the Euro 2028 finals. A similar system was used at the 2026 World Cup. The flat rate for each player named in a squad list per Nations League or Euro 2028 qualifying match is £3,285. Crucially, payments are only triggered if a player is named on the team sheet for a match — mere call-up is not enough.

UEFA confirmed that 611 clubs will benefit from the current cycle. That figure is expected to rise to more than 900 once the full Euro 2028 tournament is included, mirroring the 2024 competition. The £205m total is split with £120m reserved for clubs whose players feature in the Euros finals, and £89m divided among clubs involved in the Nations League or Euros qualifiers.

For the 2026-27 Nations League, Liverpool lead the way with 17 players released, followed by Arsenal (13) and Leeds United (11). Aston Villa released nine, while Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford each released eight. Seven clubs released seven players: Bournemouth, Brighton, Chelsea, Everton, Fulham, Hull City and Sunderland. Manchester City released six, Crystal Palace, Manchester United and Newcastle United five each, Nottingham Forest four, Ipswich Town three, and Coventry City one.

However, these figures do not guarantee income. Clubs will only receive payment for players who actually appear on the team sheet. Many Premier League clubs also have players involved in international tournaments outside the Nations League, which operate under different compensation systems (if any), as well as under-21 matches. Clubs with fewer international call-ups may benefit from increased rest and training time for their remaining players.

Women's Game Compensation

UEFA announced an equivalent compensation scheme for women's football in 2022, ahead of the 2025 Women's Euros. More than £3.7m was allocated to 221 clubs across European national associations that released players for the tournament. UEFA stated that clubs receiving financial compensation were "encouraged to use the funds for developing women's football".

Analysis: What This Means for Premier League Clubs

The Club Benefits Programme is a significant revenue stream for clubs, particularly those with extensive international representation. Liverpool's 17 released players for the 2026-27 Nations League puts them in line for a substantial payout, assuming those players feature in matches. Arsenal's 13 and Leeds United's 11 also position them well. However, the per-match condition means actual income depends on selection, not just call-ups. For clubs like Manchester City (six players) and Manchester United (five), the financial return may be lower, but they gain from reduced fixture congestion and more training time with their remaining squads.

RB Leipzig's £302,000 from the 2024-25 Nations League illustrates the potential for clubs with large international contingents. The 5% increase in per-match rates from the 2020-24 cycle shows UEFA's commitment to compensating clubs fairly. With 611 clubs already benefiting and that number set to exceed 900 for Euro 2028, the programme's scale is expanding.

Premier League clubs may not be able to calculate their exact earnings until all Nations League and Euro 2028 qualifiers conclude. The £27m released this week is just the first tranche. Clubs with players in the Euros finals will receive a share of the £120m reserved for that stage, which could be far more lucrative. The shift to per-player, per-day for the finals means clubs are compensated for the duration their players remain in the tournament, rewarding those whose players go deep.

Talking points

  • Liverpool's 17 released players could net them a fortune, but only if those players actually play — squad rotation might limit their payout.
  • Should clubs with fewer internationals, like Manchester City, be compensated for the disruption of losing key players even if they don't play?
  • The 5% increase is welcome, but with football's finances ballooning, is £3,285 per player per match enough?
  • Women's football received £3.7m for the 2025 Euros — a fraction of the men's £205m. Is this disparity justified?

What happens next

The £27m payment for the 2024-25 Nations League will be distributed this week. Clubs will then await further payments as the 2026-27 Nations League and Euro 2028 qualifiers progress. The full Euro 2028 finals will trigger the £120m allocation, with clubs compensated per player, per day. Premier League clubs will be monitoring their players' involvement closely, as every team sheet appearance adds to their compensation total.

Frequently asked questions

How much do Premier League clubs get for releasing players to the Nations League?

Clubs receive £3,285 per player named in a squad list per Nations League or Euro 2028 qualifying match. A total of £27m is being released this week to clubs with players in the 2024-25 Nations League.

Which Premier League club released the most players for the 2026-27 Nations League?

Liverpool released 17 players, the most of any Premier League club. Arsenal released 13, and Leeds United released 11.

How many clubs benefit from UEFA's Club Benefits Programme?

UEFA states that 611 clubs will benefit from the current cycle, with that number expected to rise to more than 900 when including the full Euro 2028 tournament.

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