FIFA to Distribute $6.3 Billion for Football Development
FIFA is planning to invest $6.3 billion in football development between 2027 and 2030. Under the proposed plan, all 211 member associations will receive increased financial support to develop football in their countries. Each association is expected to receive $25 million over four years, a major increase from the previous plan, which provided $10 million to each association.
The world football governing body aims to use the financial success of the recently held World Cup to support the growth of the sport worldwide. The expanded World Cup, which featured 48 teams, generated significant commercial revenue. FIFA plans to use part of this money to increase investment in football development and provide more resources to national football associations.
More than $3.5 billion of the proposed funding is expected to come from FIFA’s financial reserves. The plan is designed to help member associations improve football facilities, support local programmes and provide more opportunities for players. It also aims to strengthen football development in countries where resources and funding may be limited.
However, the proposal comes at a time of growing disagreements between FIFA and European football leaders over financial decisions and leadership. Some European officials are considering challenging FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who is preparing to seek re-election next year. Earlier, Infantino’s proposal for private investment in the World Cup faced criticism and was eventually withdrawn. The disagreement has added to tensions between FIFA and UEFA, European football’s governing body.
The new funding proposal places greater importance on supporting national football federations. Women’s football and youth football are expected to be major priorities. The increased funding could help associations expand women’s competitions, improve training facilities, develop young players and provide better opportunities for people to participate in the sport.
In addition to the funding for individual member associations, FIFA has proposed allocating $99 million to each of the six continental confederations. These organisations oversee football across their respective regions and support the development of the game at different levels.
If approved, the new plan would more than double the funding originally planned for the 2027–2030 period. FIFA believes the increased investment will help football associations strengthen their programmes and improve opportunities for players, coaches and other people involved in the sport.
The FIFA Council is expected to finalise the financial plan in December 2026. The proposal will then require final approval at the 77th FIFA Congress, scheduled for March 2027.
If the plan receives approval, it will mark a major increase in FIFA’s financial support for football development worldwide. The funding is intended to help national associations build stronger football systems, with particular attention given to women’s football and youth development.