Infantino Signals Bigger Funding Package for FIFA Members
FIFA president backs increased funding for 211 member associations from governing body’s reserves
- Infantino signals increased funding for FIFA members.
- FIFA holds about £4.4bn in cash reserves.
- UEFA and CONCACAF seek $10m per member.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has indicated that the governing body could distribute a larger share of its cash reserves to its member associations.
In a letter sent to FIFA’s six continental confederations on Monday and seen by BBC Sport, Infantino said he would support “the greatest level of additional funding that can responsibly be delivered.”
FIFA is estimated to hold about £4.4 billion in cash reserves, with discussions now focusing on how much of those funds could be made available to its 211 member associations.
The development comes as Infantino faces growing pressure over his now-abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, which involved selling stakes in the World Cup and other FIFA competitions to private investors.
The proposal generated significant opposition and was subsequently dropped.
Infantino’s latest position follows calls from UEFA and CONCACAF for FIFA to distribute $10 million (£7.5 million) to each of its 211 members from the organisation’s reserves.
The funding proposal is expected to be considered by the FIFA Council on October 15, when members will discuss the potential distribution of additional funds.
If approved, the move would provide FIFA member associations with additional financial resources, although the final amount and terms of any distribution will depend on the Council’s decision.
