FIFA has proposed a $6.35 billion investment programme to expand football development worldwide between 2027 and 2030. The plan would significantly increase funding for national football associations and continental governing bodies, although it still requires approval from the FIFA Congress.
According to a document reviewed by the Associated Press, the proposal would provide each of FIFA’s 211 member associations with $25 million over the four-year period. That represents a substantial increase from an earlier proposal of $10 million per association.
If approved, the initiative could give national federations greater financial capacity to strengthen domestic football, improve development programmes and broaden access to the sport.
FIFA plans to draw billions from financial reserves
Under the proposed funding strategy, FIFA would allocate more than $3.5 billion from its financial reserves to support the programme.
The plan follows the commercial success of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which expanded to 48 teams. FIFA is seeking to use the tournament’s financial returns to increase investment in football development across its global network.
The proposed fund would support national associations, continental confederations and other football stakeholders. The precise distribution of the money and the conditions attached to individual allocations will be important in determining how effectively the programme supports long-term development.
National football associations set for bigger allocations
The proposed $25 million allocation for each member association marks a significant increase over the earlier $10 million plan.
For smaller federations and countries with limited football infrastructure, additional funding could help support coaching programmes, grassroots competitions, youth academies and facilities. It could also provide greater resources for developing women’s football.
However, the impact would depend on how the funds are distributed and monitored, as well as whether recipient associations can demonstrate measurable progress in their development programmes.
FIFA’s financial strategy faces scrutiny
The proposal comes amid criticism from European football leaders over FIFA’s financial decisions and leadership under president Gianni Infantino.
Infantino faced criticism over a proposed private-investment plan linked to the World Cup that was abandoned shortly after being unveiled in July. The episode prompted questions about FIFA’s approach to commercial partnerships and the management of its competitions.
The latest development funding proposal could become another focal point in the wider debate over how FIFA uses its growing revenues and distributes resources across the sport.
Continental confederations could receive increased funding
The proposal also envisages an allocation of $99 million for each of FIFA’s six continental confederations, more than doubling the planned funding for the current period, according to the report.
The increased support is expected to place particular emphasis on women’s and youth football development. Continental confederations play a central role in organising competitions, supporting national associations and coordinating development initiatives across their regions.
The additional funding could help expand participation and improve pathways for emerging players, provided the money reaches programmes with clear development objectives.
What happens next?
The $6.35 billion plan remains a proposal and must be approved by the FIFA Congress before it can proceed. Until then, the allocations should not be treated as confirmed payments.
If adopted, the programme would represent a major expansion of FIFA’s development funding for the 2027-2030 cycle. Its ultimate success will depend not only on the size of the investment but also on transparency, oversight and the tangible benefits delivered to football communities around the world.
