UEFA will distribute 41 million euros during the next Women’s Euro in Switzerland in 2025 (July 2 to 27), an allocation more than doubled compared to the previous edition, the European football body announced on Monday. In detail, the winning team will receive up to 5.1 million euros - compared to 2.085 million for the English European champions in 2022 -, while each of the 16 participating selections will receive at least 1.8 million euros.
Reflecting the overall development of women’s football,funding for the continental tournament has increased fivefold sence Euro 2017,to €8 million,and has increased by 156% since euro 2022 in England.
Jackpot for future champions
Approximately 70% of this envelope will be distributed to the teams involved, who will have to pay “between 30 and 40%” of their share to the players, wiht a recommended range of “35 to 40%” for the selections that reach the final stage direct elimination, explains UEFA.
The remaining 30% will be used to reward performance: each team will receive 50,000 euros in case of a draw and 100,000 euros in case of victory in the group stage, then 550,000, 700,000 and 850,000 euros respectively if thay reach the quarter-finals, semi-finals or final.
The European champions will receive a minimum of 1.75 million euros for the title, plus 1.8 million for participation, and up to 5.1 million if they win their three group matches.
The clubs made up for it
As in 2022, the clubs that have released their national teams will be compensated, for a total allocation of 6 million euros (+33% compared to the previous edition), or 657 euros per player and per day of release. UEFA announced in October its intention to invest one billion euros in women’s football by 2030,targeting both grassroots football,high-level professionalisation and stadium presence.
The European body has also reshaped its system for awarding women’s club competitions starting from the 2025/2026 season, incorporating two changes: the overhaul of the Champions league and the creation announced last year of a new competition, called on monday the “Cup Europe”.
The women’s C1 will replace the group stage with an 18-team mini-league - on the model adopted this season by the men’s club competitions -, while the European Cup will be played “with home and away matches with direct elimination,” according to UEFA. The body intends to distribute 37.7 million euros per season for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 seasons (of which 18.2 million for the clubs participating in the C1 group stage), then 46.7 million per season for the next three (of which 24.1 million reserved for those included in C1).
The 2025 Women’s European Championship group draw will take place this evening at 6pm. It will be followed live leparisien.fr.
What financial impact will the €41 million funding have on women’s football in the long run?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Women’s Football Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to today’s special feature on the upcoming Women’s Euro 2025 in Switzerland! We’re excited to have with us Julia Reinhardt, a prominent expert in women’s football and sports growth. Julia,thank you for joining us!
Julia Reinhardt: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here to discuss such an exciting event for women’s football.
Editor: UEFA has announced that they will distribute a remarkable €41 million for the tournament in 2025. This is more than double what was allocated in previous years. what does this notable increase mean for women’s football in general?
Julia Reinhardt: This increase in funding is a game changer for women’s football. It not only reflects the growing popularity and recognition of women’s sports but also provides essential resources for better tournament institution, facilities, and promotion. The enhanced financial support allows for improved visibility and means that the players can focus on their performance rather than financial constraints.
Editor: Absolutely! It’s clear that financial backing plays an integral role in the growth of women’s sports. In what specific ways do you think this additional funding will impact the tournament itself?
Julia Reinhardt: With €41 million, UEFA can invest in various areas: better training facilities for the teams, extensive marketing campaigns to engage fans, and initiatives to enhance the overall spectator experience. This funding will also enable improved broadcasting options, which is crucial for reaching a wider audience and generating more interest in women’s football.
Editor: Speaking of audience engagement, how vital is media coverage when it comes to women’s tournaments?
Julia Reinhardt: Media coverage is absolutely crucial. It can raise the profile of women’s football substantially. With better coverage, we attract diverse audiences, which leads to increased sponsorship and partnership opportunities in the long run. The investment in media rights and promotion can create a virtuous cycle where greater visibility leads to more funding and support for the sport.
Editor: Interesting point! Now, Switzerland will host the tournament in 2025. What kind of challenges do you think the organizing committee might face in hosting such a significant event?
Julia Reinhardt: hosting a major tournament comes with its challenges, nonetheless of the country. For Switzerland, logistical planning is key. The organizers need to ensure that venues are equipped to handle large crowds and that travel between sites is seamless. Additionally, they’ll need to address how to maximize local and international fan engagement while also working on community initiatives to increase interest and support for women’s football within Switzerland.
Editor: What are your expectations for the overall impact of this event on the women’s game and youth participation?
Julia Reinhardt: I expect a ripple affect. Events like the Women’s Euro not only elevate the professional game but also inspire young girls to take up football. when they see elite athletes competing at this level, they are motivated to participate in sports and be part of something bigger. Increased visibility and role models can catalyze grassroots initiatives and spur the next generation of female athletes.
Editor: That’s a powerful vision! As we look forward to 2025, what’s one thing you woudl like to see that could further benefit women’s football?
Julia reinhardt: I would love to see more long-term investment in women’s grassroots football programs. While tournaments are fantastic, lasting growth relies on building a strong foundation—from youth leagues to coaching development. If UEFA and national associations prioritize grassroots, we will see a much more robust pipeline of talent and increased participation.
editor: Thank you for your insights, Julia! It sounds like Women’s Euro 2025 is not just a tournament; it’s a significant step forward for women’s football as a whole.We appreciate your perspective!
Julia reinhardt: Thank you! I’m excited to see how the tournament unfolds and its long-term benefits for women’s football globally.