FIFA to offer extra £2.6bn for global football development
FIFA is proposing a $3.4bn increase in funding for football development worldwide, sourced from its cash reserves.
FIFA is set to propose a $3.4bn (£2.6bn) increase in funding dedicated to global football development. The world governing body plans to draw these funds from its cash reserves, effectively doubling the level of planned distribution funding for the 2027-2030 cycle.
This proposal will be presented at a FIFA council meeting this Thursday. The move follows significant pressure on president Gianni Infantino, particularly after the abandonment of his previous 'Fifa Forward Enterprise' plan, which had faced harsh criticism from UEFA, Concacaf, and the Asian Football Confederation over potential private investment in major tournaments.
Under the new plan, FIFA intends to distribute additional capital to its 211 member associations, the six continental confederations, and regional bodies. The allocation strategy dictates that funds must be split equally into three areas: women's and youth football, infrastructure development, and general project funding.
The technical requirements, including audit and disbursement controls, are scheduled to be finalized by the FIFA council in December 2026. The entire proposal remains subject to formal approval by the 77th FIFA congress in March 2027.