UEFA Grants Clubs Significant Grants for Player Releases

UEFA has introduced a new grant system to compensate football clubs for releasing players to their national teams during international breaks. This initiative aims to alleviate financial burdens on clubs following extended national team periods. The system differs from those used in the Euros or World Cups and is based on the number of games each player participates in for their national squad.

Under the new scheme, each player included in a national team's matchday squad contributes 3,845 euros to their club. This applies only to senior national teams and is awarded for squad inclusion, regardless of playing time. Players in youth national teams are not eligible for this grant, meaning foreign players in Israeli leagues whose national federations (like CONCACAF or CAF) do not participate in this UEFA program will not generate funds for their Israeli clubs. For example, Kangi Khura and Ali Mohamed will not bring money to Maccabi Haifa, and Javon East will not assist Jamaica.

The highest beneficiaries among Israeli clubs are Hapoel Be'er Sheva, expected to receive 61,520 euros (approximately 210,000 NIS) based on 16 squad appearances. Maccabi Haifa is set to receive 46,140 euros (around 160,000 NIS) for 12 appearances, and Maccabi Tel Aviv will get 38,450 euros (about 132,000 NIS) for 10 appearances. Other clubs like Hapoel Tel Aviv, Beitar Jerusalem, Ironi Tiberias, and Bnei Sakhnin will also receive grants based on their players' squad inclusions.

These figures are based on the current international window, which is the first of three this season, with four out of eight matches already played. Projections suggest that these amounts could double by the end of the 2026/27 season if the current trend continues. The article lists specific players from various clubs who contributed to these potential grants, including Yoni Stoyanov and Adrian Kraev for their respective national teams.