The driving force behind the expansion is undoubtedly financial, with Chelsea having already proven how profitable the tournament can be. Chelsea earned around £84m from winning last year’s inaugural 32-team tournament, leading other big European clubs to lobby FIFA for it to be expanded to increase their chances of qualification.
While the £740m prize money has been paid, with winners Chelsea thought to have earned about £84m, there are still issues to resolve regarding solidarity payments. The EFC’s current focus is agreeing a redistribution formula for the £185m owed to clubs across the world in solidarity payments from last year’s tournament, which, as has been reported, has yet to be paid.
