Fifa president Gianni Infantino, who has led the governing body since 2016, has signaled that a larger portion of the organization’s estimated £4.4bn cash reserves could be shared among its 211 member associations. In a letter distributed to Fifa’s six continental confederations this Monday, the president expressed his support for providing the highest level of additional funding that can be distributed responsibly.
This development follows a formal demand from Uefa and Concacaf—representing Europe, North America, Central America, and the Caribbean—for Fifa to issue payments of $10m (£7.5m) to each of its members. The Fifa Council is set to review this proposal during its meeting scheduled for 15 October. While Infantino stated he would not prejudge a specific amount, he noted that while a single figure might start the conversation, it cannot serve as the basis for a comprehensive global policy. The proposal will be considered by the Fifa Council when they meet on 15 October.
Infantino used the correspondence to reiterate his defense of the now-withdrawn Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan. He claimed the controversial proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup and other tournaments to private investors was intended solely to boost football investment. The plan, which sparked calls for his resignation, remains a point of contention. Now withdrawn, was intended to enable Fifa to invest more in football,” wrote the Swiss-Italian, the recent commercial proposal.
Earlier this month, FA chair and Fifa vice-president Debbie Hewitt urged Infantino to release all documentation concerning the FFE project and formally requested an independent investigation into the matter. As these discussions unfold, Infantino is preparing to seek a fourth term as president in the March 2027 election. Challengers looking to stand against him have until 18 November to formalize their candidacies.
