Premier League Giants Man City & Chelsea Eye Record £97m Club World Cup Windfall
Manchester City and Chelsea could secure up to £97m in FIFA's revamped Club World Cup, with European clubs dominating the £775m prize pool in the US-hosted tournament.

Financial Rewards and Tournament Structure
The upcoming FIFA Club World Cup presents unprecedented financial opportunities for participating clubs, with Manchester City and Chelsea positioned to claim up to £97 million – the highest prize in club football history. The total £775 million prize pool breaks down as:
- £407 million: Base participation fees (weighted by FIFA rankings)
- £368 million: Performance-based rewards
Prize Money Breakdown:
Stage | Reward |
---|---|
Group stage win | £1.5m |
Round of 16 | £5.8m |
Quarter-finals | £10.2m |
Semi-finals | £16.3m |
Champions | £31m |
European Dominance in New Format
The expanded 32-team tournament (June 15-July 13 in USA) replaces the previous 7-team annual competition, now running quadrennially. UEFA clubs benefit most:
- 12 European slots (most of any confederation)
- £29.6m guaranteed for top-ranked UEFA participant
- Only 2 clubs per nation eligible (excluding Liverpool despite 2022 UCL final)
Competitive Implications
- Financial disparity: Salzburg gets ~£15m vs. £97m potential for giants
- Smaller confederations: CONMEBOL clubs like Flamengo earn half of European payouts
- Calendar concerns: Clubs trade preseason revenue for tournament windfall
"This model elevates club football's pinnacle," stated FIFA President Gianni Infantino, though critics note the reinforcement of financial imbalances.
Premier League Advantage
City and Chelsea's potential earnings dwarf:
- 2023/24 Premier League prizes (£175.9m winners vs £109.7m relegated)
- Champions League comparisons: Similar financial scale to UCL participation
The tournament may further widen gaps between Europe's elite and smaller leagues through:
- Profit & Sustainability flexibility for English clubs
- Commercial leverage for recurring participants
Qualified European Powerhouses:
- Real Madrid
- Bayern Munich
- Paris Saint-Germain
- Juventus
Note: Oceania's sole representative Auckland City will receive minimal compensation compared to UEFA clubs.