FIFA is proposing to increase its global football development budget to $6.35bn for the 2027–2030 cycle, more than doubling its existing allocation in a funding plan that would provide $25m to each of its 211 member associations.
The proposal, reported by BBC Sport includes an additional $3.4bn in funding for national associations and other football organizations.
It is expected to be considered by the FIFA Council on Thursday, October 15, 2026.
FIFA said the proposed increase had been made possible by the commercial success of this summer’s World Cup, with the additional resources intended to support football development across its global membership.
Under the plan, each of FIFA’s 211 member associations would receive $25m over the four-year period, while each of the six continental confederations would be allocated $99m.
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The proposal also includes $8.25m for each of 13 zonal and regional associations, alongside an additional $1.1m for 100 member associations to support travel and equipment costs.
The funding would cover a range of development priorities, including infrastructure, youth football and the women’s game.
Under the proposed framework, one-third of the funding would be directed towards women’s and youth football development, another third towards infrastructure, with equal access for women’s and youth football, and the remaining third towards other projects.
However, the eligibility criteria, application procedures, approval processes, disbursement arrangements and audit requirements are still to be finalized.
FIFA’s governing bodies are expected to settle those details at the Council’s next meeting in December 2026, before the broader proposal is submitted to the 77th FIFA Congress in March 2027 for approval.
Pressure for greater investment
The proposed increase comes amid pressure on FIFA president Gianni Infantino to direct more of the organization’s financial reserves towards football development.
In September, UEFA and Concacaf wrote to Infantino urging FIFA to distribute at least $10m from its cash reserves to each of its 211 member associations.
In a subsequent letter to the six continental confederations, Infantino said he would support “the greatest level of additional funding that can responsibly be delivered”.
The debate has also unfolded against opposition to FIFA’s proposed Forward Enterprise plan, which sought to sell stakes in the World Cup and other competitions to private investors.
The proposal attracted criticism from several football stakeholders, including UEFA, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation.
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Infantino is expected to seek a fourth term as FIFA president in March 2027, adding to the scrutiny surrounding FIFA’s financial decisions and its approach to supporting national associations.
If approved, the proposed $6.35bn programme would expand the resources available to football organisations worldwide, particularly those seeking to improve facilities, grassroots programmes and youth competitions.
For national associations, the proposed $25m allocation could provide substantial support over the four-year cycle.
However, the impact will depend on the final funding rules, how the money is distributed and whether the investment translates into measurable improvements in football development.
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