FIFA Proposes Up to N$412 Million for Each Member Association
FIFA is proposing to increase its global football development funding to US$6.35 billion (approximately N$104.71 billion) for the 2027–2030 period, with each of its 211 member associations potentially receiving up to US$25 million (approximately N$412.25 million).
The proposal, announced by FIFA President Gianni Infantino following a FIFA Council meeting on 15 October 2026, aims to increase investment in football development worldwide, with a focus on women’s football, youth programmes, infrastructure and long-term development projects.
The proposed increase follows the strong commercial returns generated by the 2026 FIFA World Cup and could provide national football associations with additional resources to strengthen their football structures.
For Namibia, the plan could create an opportunity to secure greater financial support for football development through the Namibia Football Association (NFA), subject to FIFA’s final funding rules and approval.
Women’s Football, Youth Development and Infrastructure in Focus
Under the proposed plan, FIFA intends to direct more resources towards projects that can improve football development at national and regional levels.
The investment priorities include developing young players, expanding opportunities for women’s football, improving football facilities and supporting long-term projects aimed at strengthening the game.
If approved, the proposed allocation of up to US$25 million (approximately N$412.25 million) per member association over four years could significantly increase the resources available to national football bodies.
However, the amount each association ultimately receives will depend on the final funding arrangements and applicable requirements.
Infantino Apologises Over Scrapped Funding Proposal
The FIFA Council meeting also addressed the withdrawn FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, which had attracted criticism over its development and communication.
Infantino apologised for mistakes made during the process and confirmed that the proposal had been permanently scrapped and would not return in any form.
FIFA had presented the initiative as an effort to increase investment in football development. However, following its withdrawal, the governing body is pursuing the proposed development funding plan instead.
FIFA to Review Governance and Disciplinary Rules
The Council also agreed to examine several other matters concerning FIFA’s administration and disciplinary framework.
A working group will review FIFA’s governance structure, with representatives from the different continental confederations expected to contribute to the process.
FIFA’s Peace Prize will also undergo an assessment, with a decision expected at the Council’s meeting in December 2026.
In addition, FIFA’s disciplinary procedures will be reviewed following the case involving United States international Folarin Balogun. The review is intended to examine the procedures surrounding disciplinary decisions.
Funding Plan Still Requires Approval
Although FIFA has outlined its proposed development funding increase, the plan has not yet received final approval.
Further work will be required to establish the distribution rules, eligibility conditions and oversight arrangements before the proposal proceeds through FIFA’s approval process.
A decision is expected at the FIFA Council’s December 2026 meeting, followed by consideration at the 77th FIFA Congress in March 2027.
If approved, the programme could provide a substantial boost to football development worldwide, including in Namibia, where funding can play an important role in improving facilities, developing young talent and strengthening football structures.
The proposed N$104.71 billion programme represents a significant potential investment in the future of world football, but its implementation will depend on the final approval process.
About the Author
Karrel Hamutenya is a senior sports journalist at The Updated World, with more than five years of experience reporting on local sport in Namibia and international sports news.His work covers match reports, transfer updates, and exclusive interviews with athletes, providing fans with deeper insight into the game and the people behind it.
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