FIFA to propose $3.4 billion reserve boost for football development

FIFA is preparing to propose an additional $3.4 billion for football development worldwide, with the money coming from its reserves, according to BBC Sport. The plan is due to go before the governing body's council on Thursday and would increase funding for the 2027-2030 period, but it still requires further approval before it can take effect.

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BBC sports editor Dan Roan reported that the reserve funding would be added to the $2.7 billion currently budgeted for distributions to member associations, confederations, regional bodies and certain associations outside FIFA. The reported allocation sets out $25 million for each of FIFA's 211 member associations and $99 million for each of its six continental confederations. These figures form part of the proposed distribution, rather than payments already approved or delivered.

The breakdown also includes $8.25 million for each of 13 zonal or regional associations. A further allocation would provide $1.1 million apiece to 100 member associations for travel and equipment support. Those provisions extend the package beyond the main grants to national associations, with separate amounts identified for regional organisations and the travel and equipment needs of the specified group of members.

Spending would be split into three equal portions under the reported terms. One third would support women's and youth football development, another third would fund infrastructure, and the remaining third would go towards projects. Infrastructure funded through the programme would have to offer equal access to women's and youth football, making that requirement part of the proposed distribution conditions.

The proposal follows pressure over president Gianni Infantino's abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise plan, which sought private investment in stakes in the World Cup and other competitions. BBC Sport reported that UEFA, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation questioned his position. In September, UEFA and Concacaf asked FIFA to distribute at least $10 million from reserves to every member association.

The council is scheduled to finalise eligibility, applications, approvals, payments, controls and audit requirements in December 2026. The package would then remain subject to approval at the 77th FIFA Congress in March 2027. Infantino is also due to stand for re-election that month, leaving the development proposal on a timetable that coincides with the next presidential vote.