Infantino backs more FIFA funding but leaves payout undecided

Gianni Infantino has signalled support for additional funding for FIFA's members from the governing body's reserves, without committing to a specific payout. BBC Sport reported that the FIFA president set out his position in a letter sent to all six continental confederations on Monday, September 28, following demands for a larger distribution of football's wealth.

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According to the BBC, Infantino said he would back the highest additional funding that could responsibly be provided, but would not prejudge the amount. UEFA and Concacaf have requested $10 million for each of FIFA's 211 members. That proposal is due to be considered at the FIFA Council meeting on October 15.

The request was detailed in a September 18 report by Sky News. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and Concacaf president Victor Montagliani argued that FIFA could use $2.1 billion to support infrastructure and football development around the world. Their letter put projected reserves at $6 billion and contended that existing resources could finance greater support without selling interests in FIFA competitions.

Sky News reported that FIFA had been planning to provide $8 million to each national association during the 2027-2030 cycle. That funding was intended for infrastructure, coaching, national teams, competitions, grassroots football and the women's game. The confederation leaders' request sought an additional distribution, beyond those existing commitments, rather than a replacement for the planned development funding.

Ceferin and Montagliani, both FIFA vice-presidents, also argued that reserves would remain at least $1.5 billion after the extra payments, according to Sky News. They called for a full assessment of FIFA's finances to determine how much more could be released. Those figures formed part of their case for the proposal; the additional distribution has not been announced as an approved payment.

Infantino's latest letter also defended the now-withdrawn FIFA Forward Enterprise project, which proposed bringing private investors into World Cup and other competition rights. BBC Sport reported that he maintained the plan had been intended to generate more investment in football. His response leaves the size of any alternative reserve-funded package unresolved ahead of the Council's consideration.