Infantino Signals Bigger FIFA Funding Could Be Released To Member Associations
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has indicated that the organisation could release more money to its 211 member associations from its substantial financial reserves.
In a letter sent to the presidents of FIFA’s six continental confederations, Infantino said he would support “the greatest level of additional funding that can responsibly be delivered”, although he stopped short of committing to a specific amount.
The issue follows a proposal from UEFA and CONCACAF for FIFA to provide an additional $10 million to each of its 211 member associations during the 2027–2030 cycle. That would amount to approximately $2.1 billion in additional funding, on top of the existing FIFA Forward programme.
The proposal is linked to FIFA’s growing reserves, which have been estimated at around £4.4 billion, with projections indicating that the figure could rise further. UEFA and CONCACAF have argued that FIFA can increase its financial support for football development without selling stakes in its competitions.
Infantino said the proposed distribution must first go through FIFA’s financial and governance processes. The FIFA Council is expected to consider the matter at its meeting on 15 October, including the amount that could be made available, the timing of any payments and the reserves FIFA needs to maintain.
“I will not prejudge the amount,” Infantino said, while adding that he would support the highest level of additional funding that could be responsibly delivered through FIFA’s governance procedures.
The discussion comes after FIFA abandoned its FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, which had involved seeking private investment linked to commercial rights. Infantino has maintained that the proposal was intended to generate additional resources for football rather than replace funding that FIFA could provide from its existing reserves.
UEFA and CONCACAF, however, have argued that FIFA’s existing financial position provides room for greater direct investment in member associations, particularly in infrastructure and football development. Their proposal has therefore shifted attention towards how much of FIFA’s reserves could be distributed while maintaining sufficient financial protection for the organisation.
A final figure has not yet been approved, and any additional funding will depend on the financial assessment and FIFA Council approval.
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