Estimates by Bank of America and Bloomberg Intelligence also show that the economic benefits extend beyond the host country. While the U.S. economy received a significant boost from spending by visitors and residents, FIFA is on track to generate record revenues of nearly US$9 billion, driven by the tournament’s expansion and growing commercial opportunities. However, some indicators suggest a more cautious outlook, as the actual impact in certain sectors appears to have fallen short of initial projections.

Tourism, consumer spending, and host cities boosted the U.S. economy

The economic impact estimated by Bank of America stems from a combination of factors that accompany an event of the World Cup’s magnitude. The arrival of international fans increased demand for accommodation, transportation, and tourism services, while local residents also boosted spending in bars, restaurants, and match-related entertainment. This economic activity particularly benefited the host cities, which concentrated much of the commercial momentum throughout the weeks of competition.

Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan explained that the economic ecosystem generated around FIFA amounts to approximately US$40 billion, with half of that total coming from the United States. He also highlighted that cities such as Kansas City recorded faster spending growth than other parts of the country, demonstrating the direct impact that hosting the tournament had on local economies. According to these estimates, the U.S. economic effect was nearly ten times greater than that projected for Mexico, where Deloitte calculated an economic impact of around US$2.543 billion.

A bigger World Cup drives record revenues for FIFA

The economic growth generated by the World Cup is also reflected in FIFA’s financial outlook. A report by Bloomberg Intelligence estimates that the organization will generate nearly US$9 billion in revenue from the tournament, surpassing by more than 40% the record set during the Qatar 2022 World Cup. The expansion of the competition to 48 teams, nearly twice as many matches, and a tournament lasting close to 40 days significantly increased opportunities to generate revenue through commercial rights, sponsorships, and event-related activities.

The same analysis projects that global World Cup-related sales could reach US$80 billion, fueled by sectors such as tourism, hospitality, food services, retail, advertising, and consumer goods. Nevertheless, some indicators point to a more moderate reality. Before the tournament began, an official FIFA report projected an economic impact of more than US$30 billion for the U.S. economy, while the U.S. Department of Commerce reported that international air arrivals increased by only 0.2% year over year in June, the tournament’s first month, reaching 4.39 million arrivals nationwide, a figure that has prompted analysts to debate the true economic impact of the competition.

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The outcome places two models side by side. Brazil recruited the most decorated coach in club football and offered him five times De la Fuente’s salary. Spain retained a manager who had spent more than a decade developing within the federation’s structure. Ancelotti arrived with the explicit task of securing a sixth star; De la Fuente ultimately delivered Spain’s second.

The figures are estimates published before the World Cup by outlets including ‘The Mirror’ and ‘Salary Leaks’, and subsequently reported by ‘AS’. Ancelotti’s annual contract has been valued at approximately €10 million, with an additional €5 million bonus if Brazil won the tournament. FIFA does not publish an official record of the salaries paid to the 48 national team managers.

Salaries, objectives and final outcomes

The objectives column summarises each team’s public ambition before the competition and the minimum result that could reasonably be considered satisfactory based on its squad, history and status as a host or debutant.

The official results left Spain as champions, Argentina as runners-up, England in third place and France fourth. Brazil, the United States, Portugal, Mexico, Paraguay and Canada exited in the last 16; Germany and the Netherlands went out in the last 32; and Uruguay, Uzbekistan and Qatar were eliminated in the group stage.

The three highest-paid managers failed to reach the quarter-finals

Ancelotti, Nagelsmann and Pochettino earned an estimated combined annual salary of €23 million. None reached the quarter-finals. Brazil had appointed Ancelotti to win the tournament, an objective the Italian stated plainly during the competition: “The objective is to win.” His team defeated Japan in the last 32 but lost 2-1 to Norway in the following round. The World Cup’s most expensive project ended before reaching the final eight.

Germany suffered an even earlier failure. Nagelsmann had publicly identified the title as the objective as early as September 2025. Paraguay eliminated his team in the opening knockout round following a draw and a penalty shootout. An annual salary of €7 million accompanied Germany’s third consecutive early World Cup exit.

The United States made Pochettino the highest-paid manager in its history in an attempt to use a home World Cup as a platform for international progress. His team won its group and defeated Bosnia in the last 32, but Belgium secured a 4-1 victory in the following round. The hosts improved on their recent World Cup performances but remained well short of a semi-final and the impact expected from a €6 million annual investment.

Tuchel and Deschamps reached the closing stages

Tuchel partly justified his salary by taking England to third place, its best World Cup finish since 1966. The Football Association had appointed him to reach the final and win the tournament. Argentina came from behind in the semi-final to end England’s title bid, although victory over France in the subsequent play-off allowed the team to finish with a bronze medal.

France also lived up to its status as a contender until the final week. Spain defeated Deschamps’ team 2-0 in the semi-final before France lost the third-place play-off. The squad had travelled to North America seeking the country’s third World Cup.

Martínez and Koeman finished clearly below their stated objectives. Portugal lost to Spain in the last 16 after arriving with one of the tournament’s deepest squads and the momentum of winning the UEFA Nations League in 2025. The Netherlands exited one round earlier after losing a penalty shootout against Morocco.

Four million euros for a group-stage exit

Cannavaro’s case produced the largest imbalance between investment and outcome. Uzbekistan reportedly paid him around €4 million, the same amount Portugal committed to Martínez. The Italian inherited a team that had already secured its first World Cup qualification under Timur Kapadze.

The Uzbek federation sought international experience to help the team compete more effectively at the tournament. Uzbekistan lost to Colombia, conceded five goals against Portugal and were also beaten by the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Cannavaro ended the group stage with three defeats and nine goals conceded. Qatar followed a similar path under Lopetegui, collecting one point, losing 6-0 to Canada and finishing bottom of its group. His €2.4 million salary exceeded those of both managers who subsequently contested the final.

Scaloni and De la Fuente, the ‘lower-paid’ final

Scaloni and De la Fuente ranked 14th and 15th among the tournament’s highest-paid managers. Their combined salaries amounted to €4.3 million, less than half the sum Brazil paid Ancelotti. Scaloni guided Argentina to a second consecutive final and finished one goal short of retaining the title. De la Fuente completed the job as Spain eliminated Portugal, Belgium, France and Argentina to become world champions.

The World Cup rewarded two managers who developed within their respective federations. Scaloni took charge with limited experience as a head coach and constructed Argentina’s most successful cycle in decades. De la Fuente progressed through Spain’s youth teams, already knew many of his players and retained a playing identity shared across the national structure.

The tournament’s most expensive manager earned five times more than the champion. The three highest-paid coaches were all eliminated before the quarter-finals. Money secured managers with five Champions League titles, experience at leading clubs and international prestige. The trophy ultimately went to the coach with the deepest understanding of his country’s football.

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The increase in participating teams, the expansion of the tournament to 104 matches, and the growth in revenue from broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and ticket sales were among the key factors behind the competition’s financial success. At the same time, FIFA significantly increased prize money, awarding $50 million to the champion while raising financial allocations for every participating federation as part of a strategy to strengthen football’s global reach ahead of the 2030 World Cup.

The World Cup expansion drove the biggest business in sports history

The expansion from 32 to 48 national teams allowed FIFA to significantly increase the size of its most valuable commercial asset. The 104 matches played over six weeks provided more content for broadcasters, additional opportunities for sponsors, and a greater number of tickets for fans. Even with ticket prices exceeding $10,000 in some cases and averaging close to $900, demand remained exceptionally high, reaching nearly 99% stadium occupancy during the group stage, according to Football Benchmark.

Behind this transformation is the strategy promoted by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who has made the tournament’s expansion the central pillar of his administration. The executive has already proposed expanding the World Cup to 64 national teams in 2030, a move that would not only increase the tournament’s commercial potential but also allow more countries to participate in football’s biggest event. At the same time, FIFA announced that it will invest $2.7 billion in the FIFA Forward 4.0 program between 2027 and 2030 to finance football development projects across its 211 member associations, further strengthening its influence within the organization.

A historic prize for the champion and greater benefits for federations and clubs

The World Cup’s financial success was also reflected in the distribution of prize money. Spain, as tournament champion, received $50 million, the largest reward ever awarded in the history of the World Cup. The amount far exceeds the $42 million earned by Argentina after winning the Qatar 2022 World Cup and represents a $20 million increase compared to the $30 million received by the Spanish national team when it won its first world title at South Africa 2010. The runner-up received $33 million, while the third- and fourth-place teams earned $29 million and $27 million, respectively.

Participating federations also benefited from a significant increase in financial allocations. FIFA distributed a total of $871 million among the 48 national teams, a 15% increase compared to the previous edition. Each federation received $10 million for qualifying, along with additional funding for team preparation and operational expenses, bringing the total amount to nearly $16 million per participant. This was complemented by the club compensation program, through which clubs received daily payments for every player released to their national team, making organizations such as Atlético de Madrid and Barcelona among the biggest financial beneficiaries of the tournament.

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The organization announced that the playing surface to be used on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey will be transformed into collectible items for fans. Each fragment will cost $450 and will be presented as an exclusive object preserving a physical piece of one of the most important matches in world football. The proposal has sparked curiosity among collectors, but it has also reignited the debate over how far FIFA’s commercial strategy surrounding the tournament can go.

An Exclusive Souvenir That Turns the Pitch Into a Collectible

Through its official store, FIFA has begun offering these keepsakes under the promise that every buyer will own an authentic fragment of the surface where the world champion will be crowned. The small pieces of turf will be encased in high-quality acrylic and integrated into a commemorative USB device, presented in a specially designed collector’s box. According to the product description, each piece represents an “authentic part of football history,” making it a lasting memento of the World Cup final.

The initiative is not coming alone. It is also part of a broader range of official merchandise that includes the 2026 FIFA World Cup music album, priced at $48, as well as a personalized replica of a tournament ticket for $19, designed for those who were unable to secure match tickets. The strategy demonstrates how the World Cup experience is no longer limited to the 90 minutes of play, but also extends into a market for exclusive memorabilia aimed at both fans attending the tournament and those following it from around the world.

A World Cup Marked by Criticism of FIFA’s Commercial Strategy

The sale of the final’s pitch comes at a time when FIFA’s commercial decisions have been under intense scrutiny. Since ticket sales began, many fans have questioned the high prices, making the 2026 World Cup one of the most expensive in history. Added to this are complaints about restrictions inside stadiums, where spectators will not be allowed to bring in food or water, forcing them to purchase products from official concession stands during matchdays.

The debate has also extended to other aspects of the tournament’s organization. During the recent FIFA Club World Cup, FIFA introduced hydration breaks due to the high temperatures recorded in the United States, a measure supported on health grounds but one that also sparked discussion about the growing number of commercial interruptions during matches. In this context, selling a fragment of the pitch for $450 adds to a series of initiatives reinforcing the perception of a tournament in which every element—from a ticket to a piece of the playing surface—can be turned into a marketable product, fueling the debate over the balance between the sporting experience and revenue maximization.

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Figures released by FIFA illustrate the scale of the problem. During the group stage, its Social Media Protection Service analyzed more than six million posts and comments related to the tournament. Through a combination of artificial intelligence and human review, nearly 89,000 abusive posts were identified, with 11% containing racist content. Behind those numbers are players facing personal attacks, teams forced to strengthen their online moderation efforts, and an increasingly difficult public conversation to manage.

Racism Gains Ground in the Digital Conversation

One of the most alarming findings for FIFA is the rise in racist content among the abusive messages detected. According to the governing body, these posts now account for 11% of all online abuse recorded during the World Cup, including some of the most offensive and degrading content. The figures confirm that racism continues to find a platform on social media, particularly during global sporting events where athletes are constantly in the spotlight.

To address the issue, FIFA’s protection system automatically hid approximately 181,000 hateful comments directed at the official accounts of participating teams and national federations. The goal is not only to reduce the visibility of these messages but also to lessen the psychological impact they have on players, coaches, and entire communities. In a tournament watched by hundreds of millions of people, every offensive post can spread within minutes, turning online abuse into an additional burden for those already coping with the pressures of elite competition.

A Growing Problem Alongside the World Cup

The report also shows that the problem is not only persisting but intensifying. Cases of online abuse increased by 3% compared to the same stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, while the number of posts analyzed rose by 33%, reaching six million comments during the group stage. In addition, more than two million interactions—including hate speech, spam, automated content, and posts generated by bots or fake accounts—were moderated, a figure four times higher than in 2022.

This growth highlights how football conversations have increasingly shifted into the digital world, where emotions spread just as quickly as algorithms. A goal celebration, a national team’s defeat, or an individual player’s performance can trigger thousands of instant reactions, many of them far removed from sporting debate. In this environment, the fight against discrimination no longer depends solely on sanctions on the field but also on the ability to protect the online spaces where so much of the modern football experience now takes place.

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Players, who appeared to have little choice but to publicly support their country’s Islamic government, faced strong criticism from sections of the crowd. In almost all three matches, when the national anthem was played, they were booed by spectators.

Mohammad Khakpour, a former Iranian footballer, wrote in an Instagram post following Iran’s exit from the World Cup that “a national team is a symbol of a nation. When a part of society feels that this symbol no longer represents their emotions, pain, and hopes, a gap emerges, and the result of that gap can be seen in public reactions.”

Iranian fans present in the stadiums, despite FIFA restrictions, carried numerous placards, including images of victims of the January 2026 killings in Iran, in which around 40,000 people were shot dead by state security forces. They displayed the historic Lion and Sun symbol and, in many cases, signs reading “Where is Rashid Mazaheri?”, showing them to others in the stands.

Rashid Mazaheri, a well-known Iranian goalkeeper, released a video on Instagram following the violent events of January 2026. In the video, he expressed support for the people and directly blamed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei for the events, declaring that his rule over Iran had come to an end.

Fifa 2026 – Los Angeles

In his Instagram message directed at athletes, he wrote: “Chivalry is not in medals, but in standing against oppression. History remembers who, like Kaveh, the mythical Iranian hero who rose against a tyrannical ruler, stood against Zahhak, a figure symbolizing oppression in Persian legend, and who remained silent.”

In a phone conversation with Sportsin, his wife Maryam described him as deeply committed to the people: “Rashid always said that one must stand against tyranny and oppression and never bow to force. He believes that the people made his name, that he became famous through them, and therefore he owed everything to them.”

Rashid has been in prison since February 24. Reports have also emerged suggesting he has been held in solitary confinement. The Iranian judiciary has denied him access to legal representation.

Meanwhile, Iranian communities have launched multiple campaigns to amplify his voice, calling on FIFA to respond to the situation of Iranian athletes imprisoned in the country’s prisons.

Where is Rashid Mazaheri?

In addition to Rashid Mazaheri, Amir Nasr-Azadani, who was detained during the “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests, is also in prison. He is among several Iranian whose situations have not been addressed by FIFA or other international sports bodies.

Abbas Yahya Beigi, Mohammad Hossein Hosseini, and Ehsan Hosseini-Pour are also among Iranian footballers reportedly detained during the January street protests and are said to be at risk of execution.

Iranian sport, particularly football as the country’s most popular sport, has long been intertwined with politics, with player contracts in domestic leagues and national team selections often influenced by the ideological framework of the state.

Sardar Azmoun, Iran’s leading striker who has previously played for Bayer Leverkusen and AS Roma, was not included in the squad for the World Cup 2026.

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The World Cup taking place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico has opened a new debate about the true value of sports sponsorship. Financial investment remains one of the pillars of global marketing, but the results achieved by brands without official rights raise questions about how modern audiences respond to advertising. In an environment dominated by social media and real-time trends, creativity and authenticity have become just as important as having a formal presence in the event.

Creativity surpasses major sponsorship deals

According to market analysis firms, the gap between being an official sponsor and achieving cultural relevance has become smaller. During the tournament buildup, non-sponsoring brand collaborations generated nearly twice the engagement of officially associated World Cup sponsors, reaching around 61 million interactions compared to 33 million for sponsors. Although official ads had greater volume, alternative campaigns stood out for their ability to spark conversation.

Companies such as Taco Bell, McDonald’s, Levi Strauss & Co., and Lego found different ways to participate in the World Cup atmosphere without a direct partnership with FIFA. Taco Bell focused on special products and campaigns aimed at capturing fans’ emotions, while Lego achieved strong social media impact with tournament-related content. Meanwhile, brands like Nike leveraged global interest in the tournament to launch ads featuring major sports and entertainment figures, generating millions of views.

Nike, Levi’s and the battle to dominate the conversation

One of the most talked-about cases was Nike, which despite not being an official World Cup sponsor achieved massive exposure with a campaign featuring figures such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Erling Haaland, LeBron James, and Kim Kardashian. The ad surpassed 70 million views on YouTube, far outpacing Adidas’ campaign, which featured Lionel Messi and actor Timothée Chalamet. Marketing specialists say this difference shows that a brand can own a cultural moment without necessarily holding the commercial rights to the event.

Another striking example was Levi Strauss & Co., which turned a restriction into a marketing opportunity. Because it was not an official sponsor, its visual identity had to be covered at the stadium in Santa Clara, where the U.S. national team plays. However, the situation sparked an unexpected reaction on social media, where fans turned the logo censorship into a talking point. The company quickly capitalized on the moment and increased its mentions during the tournament, showing how a negative situation can become a marketing tool.

The new landscape of sports marketing

The World Cup has also highlighted a shift in the relationship between brands and consumers. Advertising experts note that some non-sponsoring companies have succeeded by adopting a more daring and less traditional stance, connecting with an audience that seeks more spontaneous messaging. The idea of challenging established rules or participating from outside the official framework appears to have resonated with certain fan groups.

This trend is also linked to how fans now experience major sporting events. Conversations no longer happen only inside stadiums or during broadcasts, but continue on digital platforms where a campaign can grow rapidly through user engagement. Brands such as Buc-ee’s or Hidden Valley Ranch even benefited from organic exposure as international visitors shared their experiences with elements of American culture.

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During an interview in New York, Infantino explained that the tournament has shown a level of sporting intensity that, in his words, has exceeded initial expectations. The FIFA president highlighted that teams have maintained an attacking mindset until the final minutes of each match, with standout individual performances and games that have kept fans fully engaged. He also defended the tournament conditions, including hydration breaks due to high temperatures at some venues.

Full stadiums and the debate over ticket prices

One of Infantino’s main arguments to support the success of the World Cup has been stadium attendance. The FIFA president stated that near 100% occupancy demonstrates the strong interest in the tournament, highlighting the presence of families, young people, and fans from around the world who have attended the matches. For him, the atmosphere in the stands represents one of the biggest strengths of this edition.

However, the tournament has also been marked by debate over ticket prices, with criticism from those who believe costs may limit access for some fans. In response, Infantino argued that the answer lies in full stadiums and noted that in the United States there is a legal secondary market for ticket resale, where prices may increase depending on demand.

The economic impact of the World Cup on football development

Beyond attendance and sporting spectacle, Infantino emphasized the financial impact that the World Cup generates for the growth of global football. The FIFA president stated that revenues from the tournament are reinvested into different projects around the world, allowing less traditional national teams to have greater development opportunities.

In this sense, he highlighted the participation of teams such as Cabo Verde and Curaçao, which have managed to compete on the world stage thanks to development processes supported by World Cup revenues. For Infantino, the presence of these teams demonstrates how football’s expansion can open new opportunities for countries that have historically had less prominence.

A World Cup defined by intensity and spectacle

The tournament has also been praised for the quality of the matches. Infantino noted that teams have shown high intensity, with fewer interruptions and a constant intent to attack. For the FIFA president, matches have had an exciting rhythm, with forwards taking center stage, standout goalkeepers, and international stars meeting expectations.

He also highlighted the diversity of host cities, from traditional World Cup venues such as Mexico City to new locations in Canada and the United States. The combination of full stadiums, global football stars, and a worldwide audience has been one of the key elements that FIFA considers central to its positive evaluation of the tournament.

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At the same time, the Iranian Football Federation made extensive efforts to pressure FIFA into preventing political opponents of the regime from entering stadiums. However, the overwhelming presence of Iranian spectators, most of whom appeared disillusioned with their national team and viewed it as aligned with the ruling system, created a situation that FIFA officials struggled to control during Iran’s matches against New Zealand and Belgium.

A striking number of Lion and Sun flags, widely regarded as a historic and cultural symbol among Iranians, were visible inside SoFi Stadium. Combined with persistent booing directed at players perceived by some fans as supporters of the regime, the atmosphere drew the attention of major international media outlets, many of which highlighted these public displays of dissent among Iranian fans.

An Iranian fan at the FIFA World Cup 2026

Despite this, the FIFA broadcast director appeared to act under instruction and refrained from showing Iranian spectators on television, even briefly. Nevertheless, the scale and intensity of the crowd’s reactions proved impossible to conceal entirely.

The booing of Iran’s national anthem echoed throughout the stadium, accompanied by chants against the Islamic Republic and repeated calls of Reza Pahlavi’s name. While the broadcast avoided visual coverage of Iranian fans, it could not suppress the sound of their protest.

This apparent systematic omission of Iranian spectators from FIFA’s broadcast coverage during the matches against New Zealand and Belgium has raised significant questions. Meanwhile, a smaller number of supporters carrying the official flag of the Islamic Republic and Palestinian symbols were present in the stadium. None of these fell under FIFA’s list of prohibited symbols. Some of these individuals, when confronted by Iranian fans, did not appear to be Iranian but were instead attending to support the team.

The situation has drawn reaction from members of the Iranian diaspora, including Noor Pahlavi, who posted on X:

“Why do @FIFAWorldCup and the free press bend over backwards to protect the Islamic Republic? The fact that cameras at the World Cup deliberately cut away from shots of Iran fans to exclude their Lion and Sun flags is baffling. We should not have to convince anyone to care about the horrors this regime has inflicted on innocent Iranians for decades.”

Ali Karimi Iranian footballer

The post reflects a broader narrative among parts of the Iranian diaspora, who argue that international institutions and media outlets are inconsistent in how they treat political expression depending on context and actors involved.

Public frustration among Iranians toward the politicisation of football is not new. It became more visible during the Green Movement, initially a reformist uprising. At that time, Ali Karimi, the popular Iranian footballer and former Bayern Munich player, publicly expressed solidarity with victims such as Neda Agha-Soltan by wearing a green wristband. In more recent years, during the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement, he and many other athletes continued to support the people.

Following what some reports described as widespread public backing for Reza Pahlavi in January 2026, an event that reportedly coincided with a deadly crackdown resulting in tens of thousands of casualties, many athletes distanced themselves from Iran’s national teams. Ali Karimi, who now lives in exile, has been at the forefront of efforts supporting the families of victims, to the extent that his name has been chanted in the streets of Iran.

Iran Regime Supporters – World Cup 2026

Pressure on Iranian athletes has intensified significantly in recent years. Authorities have confiscated the assets of several sports figures, while others who took part in protests have been arrested and remain imprisoned.

During Iran’s match against Belgium, one spectator held a sign bearing the name of Rashid Mazaheri, the national team’s goalkeeper, who was detained after expressing support for victims of recent crackdowns. A petition has been launched in his support, though FIFA has shown no indication of backing it.

The events surrounding Iran’s matches have once again highlighted the deep divide between the Iranian people and the political structure that represents them on the international stage, a divide that even global sporting bodies appear unable or unwilling to fully acknowledge.

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The initiative is part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Club Benefits Programme, which for the first time includes financial compensation for clubs that released players during the preliminary qualification phase. The mechanism seeks to recognize the fundamental role clubs play in developing and preparing the players who go on to represent their countries on football’s biggest stage.

How the $355 Million Will Be Distributed

The new programme establishes specific criteria for determining compensation. Clubs that released players for World Cup qualifying matches will receive $2,362 per player per match, while for the final tournament a minimum payment of $5,000 per player per day has been set. However, FIFA clarified that the final amounts will be calculated once the tournament concludes, taking into account each player’s actual participation during the competition.

Of the total amount allocated to the programme, $100 million will go to clubs that indirectly participated in the qualification phase by releasing players, while another $250 million will be distributed among clubs whose players take part in the World Cup finals. The remaining $5 million will be used to support club football development after administrative costs associated with running the programme are deducted, in accordance with the agreement reached between the European Club Football (EFC) organization and FIFA.

The Rules That Will Determine Who Receives the Payments

FIFA has also established a series of provisions for special situations that commonly occur during international tournaments. These include cases involving replacement players, footballers who change clubs during the release period, and those whose contracts expire while the World Cup is being played. In the case of replacement players, both the newly called-up players and those they replace will be included in the programme, allowing the clubs involved to benefit from the corresponding compensation.

Additionally, if a player is transferred or registered with a new club during the release period, the financial benefits associated with that player will be divided proportionally between the former and the new club according to the relevant registration dates. When a player’s contract expires during the competition, the former club will retain the right to receive payments only until the contract’s expiration date. FIFA also emphasized that the payments are intended exclusively for clubs, while national associations will act solely as intermediaries in redistributing the funds, which must be transferred without undue delay and subject only to the applicable tax deductions.

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