FIFA is set to propose a $6.35 billion funding initiative for soccer development spanning from 2027 to 2030. This plan includes a substantial increase to $25 million for each national association, as outlined in a document scrutinized by The Associated Press. The global governing body of soccer aims to leverage the financial gains from the recent World Cup to boost investments in football development across its 211 member associations, confederations, and other stakeholders. Initially, each association was slated to receive $10 million over the four-year period.
According to the document dated October 14, FIFA intends to allocate over $3.5 billion from its financial reserves, citing the remarkable commercial success of the 48-team World Cup as the basis for this decision.
This initiative coincides with ongoing efforts by European soccer leaders to identify a contender to challenge Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency. Infantino’s controversial World Cup private investment proposal, which was swiftly withdrawn in July, prompted UEFA to take action. Infantino, who assumed the FIFA presidency in 2016, is seeking reelection in the upcoming year.
The document specifies that the financial plan is scheduled for finalization by the FIFA council in December 2026, contingent on the ultimate approval at the 77th FIFA Congress in March 2027. FIFA also disclosed plans to provide $99 million to each of the six continental confederations.
“If approved, this proposal will more than double the anticipated funding distribution for the 2027-2030 period, with a particular emphasis on enhancing women’s and youth football development,” FIFA stated.
In a separate development, UEFA revealed its intention to file a criminal complaint against Infantino in Switzerland over potential financial mismanagement in the World Cup commercial deal. The organization has also sought legal authorization in the United States to obtain relevant evidence.
Notably, UEFA’s 55 members represent more than a quarter of FIFA’s 211 voting federations, who will participate in the election slated for March 18 in Rabat, Morocco.