FIFA is planning a major increase in funding for global football development following the record commercial success of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The proposed investment of $6.35 billion aims to expand support for football programmes across its 211 member associations, including Pakistan.
Under the proposed plan, each member association could receive up to $25 million in funding. FIFA intends to more than double its development funding for the 2027–2030 cycle, potentially providing additional resources for countries seeking to improve their football infrastructure and development programmes.
The proposal will require final approval at the FIFA Congress in March 2027. Before that, the FIFA Council is expected to finalise the details of the funding framework at its December 2026 meeting. The distribution of funds is expected to prioritise women’s football, youth development and infrastructure improvements.
FIFA has also proposed maintaining reserves of $1.7 billion to address emergencies and unexpected financial requirements. The reserve proposal forms part of the organisation’s broader financial planning alongside its planned investment in football development worldwide.
Meanwhile, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has acknowledged mistakes associated with the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise project and apologised. He stated that the project had been permanently withdrawn and would not be reintroduced in any form. Infantino also emphasised that FIFA’s funds belong to its 211 member associations, highlighting the organisation’s commitment to supporting football across different countries.
According to Infantino, FIFA has sought to increase funding per member association from $1 million to as much as $25 million over the past decade. The organisation’s proposed funding expansion is intended to strengthen access to football and support development opportunities at different levels of the game.
The FIFA Council has also decided to establish a working group to examine potential governance reforms. In addition, a relevant committee will review the FIFA Peace Prize, with a decision expected at the Council’s December meeting.
