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FIFA is proposing to increase its global football development funding to $6.35bn between 2027 and 2030, more than doubling its existing budget to support member associations and other football organisations worldwide.
According to a BBC Sport report, the world football governing body plans to provide an additional $3.4bn from its reserves, following the commercial success of this summer’s World Cup.
The proposal is expected to be considered by the FIFA Council on Thursday amid calls from football administrators for increased financial support to member associations.
Under the proposed plan, each of FIFA’s 211 member associations would receive $25m, while each of the six continental confederations would get $99m. The 13 zonal and regional associations would receive $8.25m each, while 100 member associations would be eligible for an additional $1.1m each for travel and equipment.
FIFA also plans to channel the funding into infrastructure, women’s football, youth development and other projects. Under the proposed framework, one-third of the funding would support women’s and youth football, another third would go towards infrastructure, and the remaining portion would be allocated to other projects.
The proposal follows criticism of FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise plan, which sought to attract private investment by selling stakes in the World Cup and other competitions. UEFA, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation were among those opposing the plan.
In September, UEFA and Concacaf reportedly urged FIFA to distribute at least $10m from its reserves to each member association. Infantino subsequently indicated support for providing the highest level of additional funding that could be responsibly delivered.
The funding framework, including eligibility rules, application procedures, disbursement arrangements and audits, is expected to be finalised by the FIFA Council in December 2026.
The proposal would then require approval at the 77th FIFA Congress in March 2027. Infantino is also expected to seek another term as FIFA president at the congress.