FIFA President Gianni Infantino has expressed openness to distributing more funds to member associations from the organization's financial reserves.
Key facts
- •FIFA reserves are estimated at between $4.4 billion and $6 billion by different reports.
- •The FIFA Council will meet on October 15 to discuss the potential distribution of funds.
- •Infantino is currently the only candidate for the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027.
- •The deadline for potential challengers to enter the presidential race is November 18.
- •FIFA vice-president Debbie Hewitt has called for an independent review of the withdrawn FFE plan.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has indicated he will support increased funding for the organization's 211 member associations from its financial reserves. In a letter to the six continental confederations, Infantino stated he would back the highest level of funding that can be responsibly delivered. The proposal follows demands from leaders of UEFA, Concacaf, and the Asian Football Confederation for additional financial support.
By the numbers
Funding Proposals and Governance
The FIFA Council is scheduled to consider the funding requests during a meeting on October 15. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin and Concacaf President Victor Montagliani have proposed that FIFA distribute at least $10 million to each member association during the 2027-30 cycle. Infantino has instructed FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom to consolidate these proposals and has requested that confederation leaders provide financial models and supporting data for review.
Context of Recent Commercial Proposals
Infantino’s letter addressed the recent withdrawal of the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan, which had faced significant backlash. The proposal, which would have involved selling a stake in the commercial rights for the World Cup and other competitions, was intended to generate additional investment for football. Infantino stated that the new funding from reserves is not intended to replace the support that could have been provided through the now-abandoned commercial plan.
Timeline
- September 18UEFA and Concacaf leaders proposed a $10 million payout to each member association.
- October 15The FIFA Council is scheduled to meet to consider the funding proposals.
- November 18The deadline for candidates to enter the FIFA presidential election.
- March 2027The scheduled date for the FIFA presidential election.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by BBC Sport, Anadolu Agency Sport.
