PARIS: FIFA is planning to establish a $6.35 billion development fund for the 2026–2030 period, potentially delivering a major financial boost to national football associations around the world, according to a source close to the matter cited by AFP.
The proposal was expected to be considered at a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich on Thursday, where FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the federation’s executive members were due to discuss the plan.
The proposed fund would support FIFA’s 211 member federations as well as regional football confederations. Part of the financing could come from the organisation’s financial reserves following the commercial success of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Each Member Federation Could Receive $25 Million
Under the reported proposal, each of FIFA’s 211 member federations could receive $25 million through the development programme.
The proposed allocation is significantly higher than the $10 million reportedly advocated by two prominent critics of Infantino: UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin and CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani.
The fund would provide financial support for football development across FIFA’s global membership, although the precise distribution arrangements and conditions would depend on the final plan approved by the organisation.
The proposal was first reported by the Associated Press.
FIFA Faces Debate Over Governance
The planned fund comes amid wider debate about FIFA’s governance and its future financial arrangements.
The organisation has faced criticism following Infantino’s announcement earlier this year that he wanted to explore opening FIFA’s premium competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors.
The proposal was ultimately abandoned after opposition from several parts of the international football community. UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation were among the organisations involved in the resistance.
The latest Council meeting was expected to provide an opportunity for FIFA officials to discuss potential reforms to the way the governing body operates.
Infantino Launches Consultation on Reforms
At the end of September, Infantino launched a consultation process involving FIFA’s member federations to consider changes to the organisation’s operations.
He indicated that initial proposals arising from the process could be examined at the Council meeting in Zurich.
The discussions are taking place as FIFA considers how to manage its financial resources and maintain relationships with national associations and regional confederations.
The proposed development fund could become a significant part of FIFA’s financial planning for the four-year period following the 2026 World Cup.
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Infantino Prepares for 2027 Re-election Bid
Infantino, 56, has led FIFA since 2016 and is seeking another term as president in the election scheduled for March 2027.
His potential opponents have yet to unite behind a single candidate.
Ceferin has opted to stand for another term as UEFA president, while several media reports have suggested that Montagliani is expected to seek re-election at CONCACAF.
The deadline for submitting FIFA presidential candidacies is November 18.
Council Decision Could Shape FIFA’s Next Four Years
The proposed $6.35 billion fund remains subject to the expected Council decision. If approved, it would establish a major funding framework for FIFA’s member associations and regional confederations between 2026 and 2030.
The decision will also come against the backdrop of continuing discussions over FIFA’s governance, financial priorities and leadership ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
