FIFA to pay clubs £142m for releasing players for 2018, 2022 World Cups

The FIFA executive committee has confirmed that £142m will be shared among football clubs for releasing their players to compete in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

The world governing body came to an agreement with the European Club Association, which includes 214 members, after their deal expired last year.

For the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, £47m was shared between the clubs, but the amount has been increased for the controversial tournaments in Russia and Qatar, according to AP.

The deal has been struck following calls for compensation after FIFA moved the 2022 World Cup to November and December due to the soaring summer temperatures.