FIFA to pay clubs R2.5 billion

Zurich - FIFA has agreed to pay clubs worldwide $209 million for releasing players to the World Cup in 2018 and in 2022.

FIFA and the 214-member European Club Association say the deal was previously done, but has now been confirmed by the FIFA executive committee.

The deal extends a FIFA-ECA working accord which expired last year, after sharing $70 million among clubs from 2014 World Cup revenues.

It also settles the issue of possible compensation for FIFA moving the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to November-December.

The deal surpasses the 150 million euros ($160 million) clubs will get from UEFA for releasing players to the 2016 European Championship.