FIFA Plans Extra £2.6bn for Football Development

FIFA is set to propose an additional $3.4 billion (£2.6 billion) in football development funding worldwide, more than doubling its planned distribution for the 2027–2030 cycle following the commercial success of this summer’s World Cup.

Funding Proposal Goes Before FIFA Council

The proposal will be presented at a FIFA Council meeting on Thursday, with the money drawn from the organisation’s reserves. It comes amid criticism of president Gianni Infantino’s abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise plan, which sought to attract private investment by selling stakes in the World Cup and other competitions.

UEFA and Concacaf had urged FIFA to distribute at least $10 million (£7.5 million) from its reserves to each of its 211 member associations.

Development Budget Rises to $6.35bn

Under the new proposal, FIFA’s total football development funding for 2027–2030 would rise to $6.35 billion (£4.83 billion), including the $2.7 billion (£2.05 billion) already budgeted.

The proposed allocations include:

• $25 million for each member association.

• $99 million for each of the six continental confederations.

• $8.25 million for each of the 13 zonal and regional associations.

• $1.1 million for each of 100 member associations to support travel and equipment.

Women’s and Youth Football Prioritised

The proposed funding rules would divide the money into three equal portions. One third would support women’s and youth football development, another would fund infrastructure with equal access for women’s and youth football, and the remaining third would finance development projects.

FIFA says the additional funding would expand investment in football development across its global network.

Final Approval Expected in 2027

The FIFA Council is expected to finalise the plan’s eligibility rules, application process, approvals, payments and auditing requirements at its next meeting in December 2026.

The proposal will then require approval at the 77th FIFA Congress in March 2027. Infantino is also expected to seek a fourth term as FIFA president at that congress.