Fifa is set to propose a significant $3.4bn (£2.6bn) boost to its global football development budget. By tapping into its cash reserves, the governing body aims to more than double the planned distribution funding for the 2027-2030 cycle, bringing the total commitment to $6.35bn (£4.83bn). The increase follows strong commercial returns from this summer’s World Cup.
This proposal is scheduled for discussion at a Fifa council meeting this Thursday. The move arrives as the organization navigates internal pressures following the abandonment of President Gianni Infantino’s controversial Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan. That project, which would have allowed private investors to acquire stakes in the World Cup, faced stiff opposition from Uefa, Concacaf, and the Asian Football Confederation.
In response to calls from Uefa and Concacaf in September for a $10m (£7.5m) payout to each of the 211 member associations, Infantino—who is seeking re-election for a fourth term in March 2027—indicated his commitment to delivering maximum responsible funding. Under the new proposal, allocations include $25m per member association, $99m for each of the six continental confederations, $8.25m (£6.3m) for each of the 13 zonal associations, and $1.1m (£836,000) for travel and equipment solidarity. According to in a letter then sent to Fifa’s six continental confederations, Infantino – who will be standing for re-election for a fourth time in March 2027 -, He would support “the greatest level of additional funding that can responsibly be delivered”. The confederations, regional associations and certain non-Fifa affiliated associations, fifa will now offer extra money from its reserves in addition to the current $2.7bn (£2.05bn) budgeted to be paid to all 211 member associations. €¢ $1.1m (£836,000) for 100 member associations for travel and equipment solidarity.
The distribution of these funds is earmarked for specific areas: one-third for infrastructure, one-third for project development, and one-third dedicated to youth and women’s football. Full implementation protocols regarding audits and disbursement will be finalized at the council’s December 2026 meeting, with final approval required from the 77th Fifa Congress in March 2027. The plan, including the eligibility, application, approval, disbursement, control and audit requirements, will be finalised by the Fifa council at its next meeting in December 2026.
Separately, the council is considering a change to the disciplinary code to address controversies surrounding suspension procedures. This follows the high-profile case of US striker Folarin Balogun, who avoided missing a game after being sent off in the World Cup.
The incident drew criticism after US President Donald Trump stated he contacted Infantino to have the ban rescinded, sparking concerns over political interference. To prevent similar situations, a proposal has been tabled to amend Article 27, ensuring that an automatic one-match red card suspension cannot be revoked or suspended under any circumstances. A proposal has been put forward to add to Article 27 of the regulations a list of instances whereby a ban cannot be suspended.
