.png)
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has approved a €403.5 million budget for the 2026 financial year, underscoring the organisation’s continued reliance on major international tournaments and commercial income streams to fund its operations and development programmes.
The budget, signed off by the Federation’s General Assembly on Monday, includes €38.9 million earmarked for capital investment, with spending planned on infrastructure projects, technology upgrades and the construction of a new building as part of the ongoing modernisation of the Ciudad del Fútbol.
A significant portion of projected revenue is tied to the senior men’s national team, with income expected from official competitions and international friendlies. Additional financial uplift is anticipated from Spain’s participation in the FIFA World Cup, which will boost audiovisual rights revenues.
The RFEF also expects to benefit from changes to its domestic broadcast strategy. A new delegated management model for the commercialisation of audiovisual rights for the Copa del Rey qualifying rounds is forecast to increase Federation income by more than €4 million next season, with further growth projected in future years. The Federation said these extra funds will be directed towards grassroots, amateur and youth football.
Revenue from the Supercopa de España, held in Saudi Arabia, is also set to rise, with audiovisual rights income increasing to €12.7 million. The competition’s overseas staging continues to be a key commercial pillar of the Federation’s financial planning.
Sponsorship income is projected to reach €89.1 million, driven by a higher hosting fee for the Copa del Rey final, enhanced existing agreements and the addition of new commercial partners. Combined revenues from sponsorships and audiovisual rights are expected to exceed €200 million in 2026.
On the expenditure side, financial support for clubs competing in national competitions will rise to €87.0 million, an increase of €7.5 million on 2025. The uplift is largely attributed to new funding for youth academies and scouting structures, alongside a €1.2 million boost for futsal. Grants to regional football associations will also increase, climbing by €8.5 million to €40.3 million.
The approved budget highlights the Federation’s strategy of leveraging high-profile competitions and commercial agreements to expand investment across Spanish football, while continuing to prioritise infrastructure and development at multiple levels of the game.
Featured Image Credit: Unsplash / Fikri Rasyid, Pexels / Bastian Riccardi
