FIFA and UEFA agree $252 million deal with clubs

By Mark Ledsom

NYON, Switzerland (Reuters) - FIFA and UEFA have agreed to pay around $252 million (129.4 million pounds) over the next six years to compensate clubs whose players take part in World Cups and European championships.

The deal, involving a $110 million payment by FIFA and approximately $142 million by UEFA, was announced following a meeting with club representatives at UEFA's Swiss headquarters on Monday.

It forms part of a package of agreements aimed at ending years of legal wrangling between the continent's top clubs and the sport's governing bodies.

As well as receiving compensation when their players are on international duty, the clubs have received assurances that FIFA and UEFA will look to reduce the number of international matches on the calendar.

In return, the 18 members of the self-appointed G14 group of top clubs are set to disband, making way for a new independent European Club Association.

Based largely on UEFA's existing club forum, the association will comprise 103 clubs from all 53 national associations with membership determined solely on sporting achievements.

"NO WINNER"

"There is no winner here apart from football itself," UEFA president Michel Platini told a news conference following the meeting.