FIFA proposes $3.4bn funding boost for global football development

FIFA is preparing to propose an additional $3.4bn in funding for football development, drawing on its reserves to increase support during the 2027-2030 cycle, BBC Sport reported. The proposal is due to go before the governing body's council on Thursday, but the package is not yet approved and would still need the backing of FIFA's congress in March 2027.

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According to the BBC, FIFA attributes its ability to release the extra money to the commercial success of this summer's World Cup. The additional funding would more than double the amount currently planned for distribution. The report puts the proposed overall development spending for the four-year cycle at $6.35bn, with women's and youth football among its priorities.

Under the proposed breakdown, each of FIFA's 211 member associations would receive $25m. Each of the six continental confederations would be allocated $99m, while the 13 zonal or regional associations would each receive $8.25m. A separate travel and equipment solidarity allocation would provide $1.1m apiece to 100 member associations.

The distribution would be divided into three equal portions. One third would support women's and youth football development, another would go towards infrastructure, and the remaining third would fund projects. Infrastructure supported by the package would have to provide equal access for women's and youth football, making that condition part of the proposed allocation rules.

The funding move comes after criticism of president Gianni Infantino's abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise plan, which sought private investment through the sale of stakes in the World Cup and other competitions. UEFA, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation questioned his position. In September, UEFA and Concacaf called for FIFA to distribute at least $10m from its reserves to every member association.

Infantino subsequently told the six confederations he would support as much additional funding as could responsibly be provided. The council is scheduled to finalise the package in December 2026, including eligibility, applications, approvals, payments, controls and audit requirements. The entire plan would then be submitted to the 77th FIFA congress in March 2027, the same month Infantino is due to stand for re-election.