UEFA to Distribute Millions in Grants to Israeli Clubs for Player Releases

UEFA has implemented a new grant system that will provide significant financial support to seven Israeli Premier League clubs, ranging from 11,000 to 200,000 Euros. This initiative aims to compensate clubs for releasing their players for international duty during extended national team breaks. The grants are calculated based on each player's inclusion in the national team squad for each match, with each appearance earning 3,845 Euros for the player's club. This system applies only to senior national teams, excluding youth squads, and differs from the grant structures used in the Euros or World Cup. Notably, confederations like CONCACAF and CAF do not offer such payments to clubs. Hapoel Be'er Sheva is set to receive the largest sum, potentially reaching 61,520 Euros (approximately 210,000 NIS) based on 16 squad appearances. Maccabi Haifa follows with an estimated 46,140 Euros (around 160,000 NIS) for 12 appearances, and Maccabi Tel Aviv with 38,450 Euros (about 132,000 NIS) for 10 appearances. Other clubs receiving grants include Hapoel Tel Aviv, Beitar Jerusalem, Ironi Tiberias, and Bnei Sakhnin. These figures are based on current squad inclusions and may increase as the season progresses, with projections suggesting the amounts could double by the end of the 2026/27 season, as this is the first of three international breaks this season.