FIFA plans £2.6bn boost for global football development

FIFA is preparing to propose an additional £2.6 billion in funding for football development worldwide, a move that could significantly increase the financial support available to national football associations, grassroots programmes and women’s and youth football.

The proposal, expected to be discussed at a FIFA Council meeting on Thursday, 15 October, would draw on the governing body’s financial reserves and increase planned development distributions for the 2027–2030 cycle. The additional funding follows the commercial success of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Under the reported plan, FIFA’s overall development spending for the four-year period could reach approximately £4.83 billion, including the funding already budgeted for member associations and other football organisations.

How the proposed funding would be distributed

The reported package includes increased allocations for FIFA’s 211 member associations, alongside financial support for continental confederations and regional football bodies.

The proposed distribution includes:

• National associations: Up to $25 million (£19 million) per member association.

• Continental confederations: $99 million (£75 million) for each of the six confederations.

• Regional associations: $8.25 million (£6.3 million) for each of 13 zonal or regional associations.

• Travel and equipment: Additional solidarity funding for 100 member associations.

The proposed spending would be divided into three broad areas: women’s and youth football development, football infrastructure, and specific development projects.

Potential impact on African football

For African football, increased development funding could create opportunities to improve training facilities, strengthen youth academies, support women’s competitions and expand access to organised football.

National associations, including the Ghana Football Association, could potentially benefit if the proposal is approved and funds are allocated under the final eligibility and distribution rules. However, the precise impact on individual countries will depend on the programme’s implementation and the projects supported.

Better facilities and coaching programmes could help young players develop their abilities, while increased investment in women’s football could support participation and improve the pathways into professional competition.

Funding plan comes amid pressure on FIFA leadership

The proposal comes at a sensitive time for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who has faced criticism over the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise plan. That earlier initiative sought to restructure FIFA’s commercial operations and attract private investment, prompting opposition from several football leaders, including representatives of UEFA and CONCACAF.

The additional funding proposal also comes ahead of Infantino’s expected bid for another term as FIFA president in March 2027. Its timing is likely to attract scrutiny over FIFA’s financial priorities, governance and how development funds are distributed.

What happens next?

The reported funding package is not yet a completed, fully approved programme. Further details concerning eligibility, applications, approvals, payments, oversight and auditing are expected to be finalised through FIFA’s decision-making process, with approval by the FIFA Congress in March 2027 required for the plan to proceed as reported.

If approved, the proposal would represent a major expansion of FIFA’s financial commitment to developing football across countries and regions, with its success ultimately depending on transparent management and whether the money produces measurable improvements on the pitch and beyond.