International football has sent another cheque back into the club game. UEFA has confirmed a €31.5 million payment to 611 sides, including amateur teams, for releasing players during the 2024-25 Nations League campaign.
UEFA rewards clubs for international releases
The distribution is part of UEFA’s club benefits scheme, which compensates teams when their players leave for national-team duty in the Nations League. The latest payment relates to the 2025 edition of the competition, played across the 2024-25 international calendar.
- Total sum distributed: €31.5 million.
- Number of recipient clubs: 611.
- Eligible sides include amateur clubs as well as professional teams.
- The money reflects players being made available to national squads for Nations League matches.
The scheme recognises the practical cost to clubs of international windows, when squads can be depleted by call-ups and players return carrying the physical demands of competitive matches.
RB Leipzig receive the largest initial payment
RB Leipzig will take the biggest share of this first distribution. The German club released 16 players for international duty during the tournament and is set to receive roughly €353,000.
UEFA said the payment forms part of a wider €104 million allocation covering the 2027 Nations League and Euro 2028. The next cycle will continue the organisation’s policy of directing compensation towards clubs whose players are selected by their countries.
- RB Leipzig had 16 players involved with national teams.
- Their expected compensation is about €353,000.
- UEFA’s wider allocation for the 2027 Nations League and Euro 2028 stands at €104 million.
