FIFA to weigh further funding for member associations
Gianni Infantino says he will back the highest responsible level of additional support, with the amount still to be considered by FIFA’s Council.
FIFA’s Council is due to discuss additional funding for member associations on 15 October. President Gianni Infantino says he will support the greatest amount that can be provided responsibly through the organisation’s governance process.
In a letter to the heads of the six regional confederations, Infantino said he would not prejudge the figure. He has asked FIFA’s secretary general to combine submissions into an assessment for the Council, with funding supported by financial evidence and transparent, auditable arrangements.
The amount has not been approved. Media reports say UEFA and CONCACAF have sought at least $10 million for each member association, while the head of the Asian Football Confederation made a similar request.
The discussion follows Infantino’s abandonment of FIFA Forward Enterprise, a proposed commercial entity that reports said would have provided at least $20 million to each member nation. The plan faced opposition from regional football bodies.
Infantino plans to seek re-election in March. Critics and rights groups have questioned his eligibility for another term, arguing that his first spell as president should count towards FIFA’s three-term limit. No challenger has yet stepped forward, according to the report.
