Gianni Infantino has suggested that Fifa might allocate a larger portion of its financial reserves to member associations after requests for extra funding throughout global football.
The Fifa president is expected to review proposals from Uefa chief Aleksander Ceferin, Concacaf president Victor Montagliani, and Asian Football Confederation president Shaikh Salman, who have called on Fifa to redistribute more of its reported $6 billion in reserves.
Fifa financial reserves face new scrutiny
In a letter sent to the six confederation presidents and members of the Fifa Council, Infantino confirmed that the proposals will be discussed at the council’s next meeting on October 15.
The Fifa president did not promise a specific sum but said he would support the largest funding increase that could be responsibly delivered through Fifa’s governance process. He also emphasized that any redistribution should be applied fairly and backed by transparent and auditable arrangements.
“I will not prejudge the amount,” Infantino wrote in the letter seen by The Athletic. “I will support the greatest level of additional funding that can responsibly be delivered through Fifa’s proper governance process, applied fairly and supported by transparent and auditable arrangements.”
Infantino has directed Fifa Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom to combine the different proposals into a single assessment before the October meeting.
Fifa funding proposals gain support
One proposal from Uefa and Concacaf calls for a direct allocation from Fifa’s reserves, with every member association receiving at least $10 million during the 2027-30 cycle.
Infantino has asked the confederation presidents to submit financial models and supporting evidence, allowing Fifa to assess the proposals before the council meeting.
The push for additional funding follows the abandonment of Fifa Forward Enterprise, a proposed venture intended to generate further investment in football. The initiative faced intense scrutiny before being withdrawn.
Infantino said the commercial proposal had been designed to supplement Fifa’s existing support rather than replace funds that could already be distributed to member associations.
The October meeting could decide next steps
The Fifa Council meeting on October 15 will provide the next major test for the proposals and whether the governing body is prepared to increase the funding available to its member associations.
No specific figure has yet been confirmed, but Infantino’s letter indicates that a substantial increase could be considered if it meets Fifa’s governance, fairness, and transparency requirements.
The confederation presidents’ financial models and supporting evidence will therefore form part of the assessment before Fifa considers what additional funding package can be delivered.