FIFA proposes $6.35bn football development funding boost as Infantino apologises over withdrawn project

GhanaSoccernet · 10/15/2026, 11:04:43 PM

FIFA has proposed increasing its global football development funding to $6.35 billion for the 2027-2030 cycle following the projected financial success of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The proposal, presented at the FIFA Council meeting in Zurich, Switzerland, would more than double planned funding for the next four-year period under a new initiative known as the FIFA Surplus Solidarity Programme.Based on an unaudited projected surplus of between $5.2 billion and $5.6 billion for the 2023-2026 cycle, the plan would increase allocations to FIFA’s 211 member associations to as much as $25 million each.Confederations, regional and zonal associations, and other stakeholders are also expected to benefit from increased funding, with allocations aligned with the development of women’s and youth football, long-term projects and football infrastructure.FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the proposed increase reflected the organisation’s commitment to ensuring that the financial success of the World Cup benefits football development worldwide.“As has been said many times since 2016, FIFA’s money, including its reserves, belongs to the 211 FIFA Member Associations, and the proposal to increase investment across all FIFA Member Associations, confederations and other stakeholders to USD 6.35 billion aims to reinforce our unwavering commitment to further supporting...