Clubs not participating in the Champions League can profit from their academy graduates

The development of young footballers is a major focus of UEFA's activities. There is already a solidarity payment rule for academies that trained a player when he is transferred. However, a new idea could see academies earning even more.

Details: The Union of European Clubs, established as a counterweight to the European Club Association, has, according to The Athletic, proposed that UEFA allocate five percent of Champions League revenue to clubs that do not participate in the competition but have developed players currently featuring in Europe's premier club tournament.

The rewards for player development would be distributed among European clubs based on the number of minutes their academy graduates play in UEFA competitions, as well as the prize money those players have earned at the start of their careers.

Importantly, this rule would not apply to clubs that are already competing in the Champions League, as they receive substantial prize money anyway.

For example, if we look at the 2023/2024 season, Ajax would have received £4.5 million, and even non-league English side Bury would have boosted their budget by almost £17,000.

Reminder: At present, 16 out of 36 teams are already known for the league stage of the 2025/2026 Champions League season. Seven more teams will be determined through the qualifying tournament.