Leicester City are set to receive a payment from UEFA's Club Benefits Programme as part of a £27 million distribution to clubs for releasing players during the 2024/25 Nations League season. This marks the first payment in a new cycle linked to the Euro 2028 qualifying period, with a total of £209 million promised to clubs across Europe over the coming years.
UEFA will distribute around 31.5 million euros this week, benefiting 611 clubs from its member associations. The payments are calculated at a rate of £3,294 for every eligible player appearance on a match sheet for Nations League and European Qualifiers fixtures. Further instalments are scheduled as the 2026/27 Nations League and Euro 2028 qualifying competitions progress.
How the programme works
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin stated the initiative recognises the role clubs play in international football. "The Club Support Programme acknowledges the essential contribution that clubs add to the success of national team football," Ceferin said. The programme's total value for the Euro 2028 cycle is 244 million euros, which includes funds carried over from Euro 2024 and allocations for the final tournament.
While the exact amount due to Leicester City has not been disclosed, the framework ensures compensation for clubs of all sizes. German side RB Leipzig is receiving the largest share from this initial pot, approximately £302,505 for releasing 16 players two years ago.
Context at the King Power
The news arrives as Leicester focus on their League One campaign, where they currently sit 14th with 9 points from 7 games. Their recent form shows three wins, one draw, and one defeat from the last five matches. Attention now turns to the next fixtures, a home game against Peterborough United on 10 October. The financial boost from UEFA, however modest, is a welcome addition as the club handles the season. The final payment from this cycle will be made after the Euro 2028 tournament concludes.
More detail at Football London
