Circular 1961 Update on the FIFA Club Protection Programme 2023 2026

TO THE MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS OF FIFA Circular no. 196 1

Zurich, 31 March 2026

Update on the FIFA Club Protection Programme 2023 - 2026

Dear Sir or Madam,

FIFA is pleased to provide you with an update on the FIFA Club Protection Programme 2023 - 2026 (hereinafter the “Programme”) , under which coverage will now also include matches between the national teams of Member Associations not participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026 ™ (hereinafter “non - PMA s ”) dur ing the 1- 9 June international mat c h window . FIFA has taken this measure in the best interests of Member Associations, clubs and players to further enhance their protection.

For clarity , the coverage of the Programme will be applied as follows :

• For Member Associations participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026 (hereinafter “PMA s”):

- The Programme will apply coverage from the start of the preparation phase (as outlined in c ircular no. 1852 , dated 29 July 2023 , and on page 8 of the related Technical Bulletin ). Players released by their clubs ahead of the mandatory release and the rest and preparation period for the c ompetition, beginning on 25 May 2026 , will be covered, subject to the team staying together without interruption until the start of the tournament (except for short trips by players to their home address ).

• For non - PMA s :

- P layer s from non - PMA s playing against PMA s are covered by the Programme . The coverage also includes matches outside the 1 - 9 June international match window, provided that they fall within the PMA’s preparation phase.

- P layers involved in matches between two non - PMAs will now also be covered by the Programme, but only for matches occurring during the 1 - 9 June international match window.

Fédération Internationale de Football Association www.FIFA.com For the avoidance of doubt , t he general conditions and the claims procedure laid out in the Technical Bulletin of the Programme continue to apply.

FIFA remains committed to continuing to foster cooperation and strengthen the relationship between clubs and Member Associations .

We thank you for taking note of the above and for informing your affiliated clubs accordingly. Should you need any clarification regarding any aspect of the Programme, please do not hesitate to contact Remo Hospenthal, Director Controlling & Strategic Planning , at clubsprotection@fifa.org .

Yours faithfully ,

FÉDÉRATION INTERNATIONALE DE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

Mattias Grafström Secretary General

cc: - FIFA Council
- Confederations
- Men’s National Team Competitions Committee
- European Football Clubs
- FIFPRO
- World Leagues Association

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