Infantino gives FIFA members deadline to back $20bn funding plan

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has given the organisation's 211 member associations until 19 September to approve a private investment proposal that could significantly increase funding for national football federations.

In a letter sent to members, Infantino called for support for the creation of FIFA Forward Enterprise, a new commercial subsidiary that would manage the governing body's commercial rights linked to the FIFA World Cup, Club World Cup and other major competitions.

The proposed entity has been valued at around $20 billion and would allow outside investors to acquire up to a 20% stake, while FIFA would retain majority ownership and full control over sporting and governance decisions.

Up to $40 million for each federation

If approved, FIFA says the new structure would unlock $10 billion for football development from 2027 onwards.

Each member association would be eligible to receive up to $40 million during the 2027-2030 cycle. That includes a one-off $20 million Fast Forward payment, alongside up to $20 million through FIFA's existing Forward development programme.

FIFA argues the investment would provide a substantial increase in funding compared with its current projections. Without approval of the proposal, the governing body estimates it would distribute around $2.7 billion in development funding over the same period.

Approval faces growing opposition

The proposal must secure the backing of more than half of FIFA's 211 member associations before also being approved by the FIFA Council.

However, the plan has already drawn criticism from several continental confederations.

UEFA has strongly opposed the proposal, arguing that FIFA is rushing members into a decision before adequate consultation has taken place. CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation have also expressed concerns over the level of transparency and the limited time available to review the details.

European football officials are expected to discuss their response in the coming weeks, with reports suggesting that a boycott of FIFA competitions has been raised as one possible option if disagreements over the plan deepen.

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