Irish League clubs in line for boost of up to £220,000 from increase in UEFA solidarity payments

UEFA's solidarity payments are for smaller nations

Sports Direct Premiership clubs are in line for a bumper financial windfall worth almost a quarter of a million pounds each per year, Sunday Life Sport can reveal.

An increase in UEFA Solidarity payments next season means the 12 top-flight clubs should see annual payments rise from £100,000 to £220,000.

At a recent meeting between UEFA and the European Clubs Association (ECA), an agreement was reached in principle to increase Solidarity payments for the 2024-2027 cycle.

Solidarity payments are aimed at smaller nations to compensate for local games not being played on the same nights as European club competitions.

Informed sources have told Sunday Life Sport that, while nothing is set in stone, clubs can expect an increase in the region of 50-60 per cent from next year.

“Irish League clubs currently receive £1.3m in Solidarity payments from UEFA,” said one source. “That’s just over £100,000 to each of the 12 Premiership clubs, though clubs competing in Europe will pay some of it back.

“Next year, although payments are made in arrears, clubs not participating in Europe could be looking at a rise to something like £210,000 to £220,000. It’s good news for everyone.”

The ECA had been pushing for an increase in payments from four per cent to 10 per cent to clubs not participating in Europe, but agreed on a rise to seven per cent.

A joint statement from UEFA and the ECA three weeks ago read: “A central element of this agreement is the shared priority to nurture European club football at every level.

“This will manifest through a new revenue distribution model for the 2024-2027 cycle, boasting an unprecedented increase of solidarity payments that will benefit clubs in domestic