FIFA President Gianni Infantino has opened the door to additional financial support for the organisation’s 211 member associations, with a potential multi-billion-dollar distribution now set to be considered by the FIFA Council. Infantino said he would support the “greatest level of additional funding” that can be responsibly delivered through FIFA’s governance procedures. However, he has not committed to a specific amount, saying the proposal must first undergo financial and governance assessments. The discussion follows a joint request from UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin and CONCACAF Pr

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has opened the door to additional financial support for the organisation’s 211 member associations, with a potential multi-billion-dollar distribution now set to be considered by the FIFA Council. Infantino said he would support the “greatest level of additional funding” that can be responsibly delivered through FIFA’s governance procedures. However, he has not committed to a specific amount, saying the proposal must first undergo financial and governance assessments. The discussion follows a joint request from UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin and CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani, who have called for at least $10 million for each of FIFA’s 211 member associations during the 2027–2030 cycle. That would amount to about $2.1 billion in additional distributions. The proposal comes after FIFA abandoned plans for the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a commercial venture that was intended to raise additional capital through outside investment. FIFA had previously said the scheme could increase development funding to $20 million per association, with a further optional $20 million available through a proposed Fast Forward programme. Infantino’s latest position comes as he prepares to seek another term as FIFA president in the March 2027 election. His leadership has faced criticism from several football bodies, particularly over the proposed FFE structure and questions about FIFA’s governance. The FIFA Council is expected to examine the funding proposals at its meeting on October 15, 2026, following a consolidated assessment by FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström. No final payment has yet been approved. For national associations, the debate could have significant implications for investment in football infrastructure, youth development, national teams, competitions and grassroots programmes if additional funding is eventually approved.

A little more informed. A little more connected.