FIFA's Infantino Plans Bigger Funding for Member Countries

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has hinted at bigger funding for FIFA's 211 member countries. The FIFA Council will talk about extra payments at its meeting on October 15.

In a letter sent to the leaders of FIFA’s six continental confederations on Monday, which Agence France-Presse saw, Infantino said he supports “the greatest level of additional funding that can responsibly be delivered.” He also warned that no amount being discussed is yet an approved commitment.

Infantino explained that the idea to sell part of the World Cup commercial rights, which led to calls for his resignation, was meant to get more money for football.

“The recent commercial proposal, now withdrawn, was intended to enable FIFA to invest more in football,” Infantino wrote.

On September 18, two of Infantino’s critics, Aleksander Ceferin from European football and Victor Montagliani from the North and Central American and Caribbean body, suggested that every FIFA member association should get $10 million from 2027 to 2030.

Infantino replied by saying he would match any other offers.

“I will support the greatest level of additional funding that can responsibly be delivered through FIFA’s proper governance process,” he said.

FIFA also confirmed in early September that Infantino will run for president in the election next March. This comes despite the backlash over his now-cancelled plan to invite private investment into the men’s and women’s World Cups.

Infantino has support as well; the 2034 World Cup host, Saudi Arabia, backed him last month. The African football body, CAF, and South America’s CONMEBOL also showed their support.