FIFA to release extra $3.4bn for global football development

FIFA is preparing to propose an additional injection of $3.4 billion for football development programmes across the globe. The world governing body plans to draw that sum from its financial reserves, a decision that would more than double the distribution funding planned for the 2027-2030 cycle and which will be debated at the FIFA Council meeting on Thursday.

A plan that doubles the funding earmarked for 2027-2030

The proposal marks a significant shift in FIFA's distribution policy. The organisation had initially budgeted $2.7 billion to be shared among all 211 member associations, the continental confederations, regional associations and certain non-FIFA affiliated bodies. With the release of the reserves, total spending on football development for the 2027-2030 period would reach $6.35 billion.

The commercial success of this summer's World Cup has given FIFA the liquidity to make this extraordinary payout. According to the organisation, the revenue generated by the tournament has strengthened reserves that can now be channelled into direct investment in the growth of the sport.

Infantino looks to rebuild trust with confederations

The announcement comes at a tense time for FIFA internally. President Gianni Infantino saw his Fifa Forward Enterprise plan collapse in recent months. The scheme would have sold stakes in the World Cup and other competitions to private investors, but it drew fierce criticism from UEFA, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation, which openly questioned the strategy of the Swiss-Italian executive.

In September, UEFA and Concacaf sent a letter to Infantino demanding that FIFA allocate at least $10 million from its cash reserves to each of the 211 member associations. The pressure exerted by the continental bodies has been a key factor in shaping this new financial proposal.

In a letter sent to the six continental confederations, Infantino — who will stand for a fourth term in March 2027 — said he would support the greatest level of additional funding that could responsibly be delivered.

How much each confederation and regional association will receive

The distribution terms set out specific amounts for the different levels of the football pyramid. Each of the six continental confederations would receive $99 million, while the 13 zonal or regional associations would get $8.25 million each. In addition, 100 member associations would have access to $1.1 million for travel and equipment solidarity.

Women's and youth football as investment priorities

One third of the additional funds would be allocated to the development of women's and youth football. Another third would go to infrastructure, with the condition that the facilities financed guarantee equal access for women's and youth categories. The remaining third would be distributed according to criteria to be finalised by the FIFA Council at its meeting in December 2026.

The full plan, including eligibility, application, approval, disbursement, control and audit requirements, will be closed at that December meeting. The proposal must then be submitted for final approval to the 77th FIFA Congress, scheduled for March 2027 — the same month in which Infantino hopes to renew his mandate for a fourth time.

Frequently asked questions about FIFA's new funding