FIFA President Gianni Infantino Open to Increased Funding for Member Associations
Gianni Infantino has expressed willingness to consider larger financial distributions from FIFA's reserves to member associations, responding to demands from UEFA and Concacaf.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has indicated a readiness to address calls from UEFA and Concacaf for increased financial support from FIFA’s substantial $6 billion cash reserves. In a recent communication to confederation presidents, Infantino stated his commitment to exploring the highest possible level of additional funding for FIFA’s 211 member associations.
This response follows a joint letter from UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin and Concacaf President Victor Montagliani, who proposed a minimum payout of $10 million per member during the upcoming 2027-2030 commercial cycle. This proposal has also received backing from Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, the president of the Asian Football Confederation.
Infantino’s letter, sent on Monday, emphasised that while he is open to discussions regarding the funding amounts, he has not yet committed to the proposed $10 million per member. He stated, “I will support the greatest level of additional funding that can responsibly be delivered through FIFA’s proper governance process.”
The FIFA council is set to review these proposals during its next meeting on 15 October, with Secretary General Mattias Grafström tasked with consolidating the various suggestions into a comprehensive assessment.
Previously, under the now-abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) scheme, member associations were slated to receive an additional $20 million over the next four-year cycle, with an extra $20 million available for those who signed up within a specified deadline. Infantino defended the FFE initiative, asserting that it was designed to enhance FIFA’s investment in football rather than replace existing support mechanisms.
In his letter, Infantino acknowledged the constructive nature of the proposals from UEFA and Concacaf, stating, “We may differ on the best route forward, but I have no doubt that each of us wants what is best for FIFA, its member associations and football.” This ongoing dialogue reflects the evolving landscape of football governance and the financial dynamics within the sport.
Source: This original report was produced by WTGO Newsroom using verified reporting from Guardian Football.