FIFA President Gianni Infantino has ordered a review of a proposal from UEFA and CONCACAF seeking $2.1 billion in additional distributions to national football associations from FIFA’s reserves.
The request would increase funding to FIFA’s 211 member associations during the 2027-30 cycle. Reuters reported that the proposal calls for each association to receive at least $10 million over that period.
No funding commitment has been made
In a letter to the presidents of FIFA’s six continental confederations, Infantino said the proposal would be assessed before any commitment was made. Additional funding would require financial checks and formal approval through FIFA’s governance process.
UEFA and CONCACAF have also sought an independent audit of FIFA’s projected reserves, which they estimate could reach about $6 billion. Their proposal argues that the requested distribution could be made while still leaving FIFA with more than $1.5 billion in reserves.
Review follows dispute over commercial strategy
The funding debate comes after controversy over a FIFA plan to bring private investors into a commercial subsidiary holding rights linked to major competitions. That proposal was later withdrawn after criticism over consultation and governance.
Infantino said the new review would examine what level of additional funding is financially responsible, test the underlying financial models and consider transparency around FIFA’s reserves and future commitments.
Reuters reported that preliminary recommendations are expected to be presented to the FIFA Council by October 15, or that the Council will receive a timetable for further analysis if the review is not complete by then.
Sources: Reuters reporting based on correspondence between FIFA and continental confederations.
