FIFA plans to increase development funding to US$6.35bn (£4.7bn) for the 2027-2030 cycle, with each of its 211 member associations eligible to receive up to US$25m.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the proposed package as part of plans to increase investment in football around the world. Women’s football, youth football, infrastructure and long-term development projects are among the stated priorities.
The funding boost is linked to the strong commercial returns expected from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. FIFA wants to direct more of those resources towards developing the game through its member associations.
The proposal has not yet been approved. It must pass further stages, including consideration at the 77th FIFA Congress in March 2027.
If accepted, the package would give national football associations additional funding to improve facilities, expand grassroots programmes and support the development of players and coaches.
Associations with limited financial capacity could use the money to address infrastructure shortages and strengthen youth development systems. The eventual impact, however, will depend on how individual associations distribute and use the funds.
Infantino apologises over withdrawn FFE proposal
Infantino also apologised for mistakes connected to the withdrawn FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal.
He confirmed that the initiative had been permanently abandoned and would not be brought back in any form. FIFA’s decision follows concerns over the proposal and rules out any attempt to revive it.
The apology and confirmation came among a series of announcements and decisions concerning FIFA’s governance and operations.
Governance and disciplinary reviews
FIFA is to create a working group to examine its governance framework. The group is expected to review the organisation’s current structures and processes as it continues to oversee the global administration and development of football.
The organisation will also assess its Peace Prize, with a decision expected in December 2026.
FIFA’s disciplinary procedures are to be reviewed following the case involving Monaco and United States forward Folarin Balogun. No further details have been provided about possible changes, but the review will allow FIFA to examine its processes in light of that case.
The proposed US$6.35bn package remains subject to approval, so the final funding arrangements have not yet been confirmed. The 77th FIFA Congress in March 2027 will be a key point in that process.
Member associations will be assessing the potential effect on their national development programmes over the four-year cycle. If approved, the plan would represent a major commitment to women’s football, youth programmes and infrastructure.
FIFA’s stated intention is to expand its support for football development, but the investment must still pass the remaining approval stages before the arrangements can be finalised.
