The EFC represents more than 700 clubs, giving the partnership significant influence over the tournament’s commercial and sporting direction. It also marks a change from the first expanded edition, when handled the competition largely on its own.
The proposed structure could help build consensus with Europe’s leading clubs while easing previous tensions over control, qualification and revenue. The EFC already operates a joint venture with UEFA for European club competitions, providing a potential template for the new arrangement.
Europe had 12 representatives in the inaugural tournament, compared with six from South America and five from Concacaf. Yet major clubs including Liverpool, Barcelona and Napoli were absent because qualification was restricted by previous Champions League winners, UEFA coefficient rankings and the national quota.
The two-club limit prevented deeper representation from countries with several powerful sides. Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City are reportedly among the eight highest-ranked English clubs in the UEFA coefficient standings, meaning a larger field and looser quota could significantly improve Premier League participation.
For , the commercial case is clear. The previous tournament’s prize pool reached £740 million, while Chelsea reportedly collected about £84 million for winning the title.
Before the 2029 format is settled, and the six confederations must resolve £185 million in outstanding solidarity payments to clubs worldwide. The prize money has been distributed, but the wider support package remains unresolved.
That issue will test whether the new partnership can deliver more than a larger tournament. and the EFC now face negotiations over access, revenue and the football calendar, with the next major step likely to be an agreement on solidarity payments before expansion plans move forward.