FIFA proposes extra $3.4bn for global football development

FIFA is set to propose an additional $3.4 billion (£2.6 billion) in funding for global football development between 2027 and 2030, potentially doubling its planned distribution to member associations and other football bodies. According to BBC Sport, the proposal will be presented at Thursday’s FIFA Council meeting, with the money drawn from the governing body’s reserves.

Under the plan, each of FIFA’s 211 member associations would receive $25 million, while each of the six continental confederations would receive $99 million. Regional associations and selected member associations would also benefit from additional allocations.

One-third of the proposed funding would support women’s and youth football, another third would go towards infrastructure, and the remainder would finance development projects. The proposal follows criticism of president Gianni Infantino’s abandoned plan to attract private investment into FIFA competitions.

Infantino previously pledged to support “the greatest level of additional funding that can responsibly be delivered”. The final framework is expected in December 2026, subject to approval at FIFA’s congress in March 2027.