FIFA to pay clubs $209 million for World Cup 'collaboration'

Journalists are reflected in a logo at the FIFA headquarters after a meeting of the executive committee in Zurich October 4, 2013. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann

ZURICH (Reuters) - FIFA has announced a threefold increase in the amount of money it pays as part of a collaboration agreement with clubs who release players for the World Cup and the ruling body will hand out $209 million (141.75 million pounds) in both 2018 and 2022.

Clubs will also be given a greater say in drawing up the international match calendar, which allocates the dates for club and national team matches, following the agreement between FIFA and the European Clubs' Association (ECA).