Fifa to offer extra £2.6bn for football development
Retold by Oddsrama · 14 October 2026
Fifa is preparing to inject an extra $3.4 billion (£2.6 billion) into global football development, effectively doubling the planned funding allocation for the 2027-2030 cycle. The world football governing body plans to draw this money from its reserves, a significant move that comes as pressure mounts on president Gianni Infantino following the collapse of his controversial Fifa Forward Enterprise scheme, which sought to sell stakes in major competitions to private investors.
The proposal will be tabled at Fifa's council meeting this Thursday, with formal approval expected at the congress in March 2027. All 211 member associations will benefit from the expanded distribution, alongside regional confederations and affiliated bodies. The breakdown includes $99 million for each of the six continental confederations, $8.25 million for 13 zonal associations, and $1.1 million for 100 member associations to support travel and equipment. Infantino's decision follows pressure from Uefa and Concacaf, which demanded at least $10 million per member association from Fifa's cash reserves.
The funding structure mandates equal thirds allocation: one portion dedicated to women's and youth development, another to infrastructure with guaranteed access for women's football, and a third for general projects. This emphasis on grassroots investment could reshape competitive balance across confederations over time, potentially affecting qualification pathways and tournament strength. For betting markets, sustained investment in emerging football nations may improve competitive depth in continental competitions and World Cup qualifying rounds. The full plan and eligibility criteria will be finalized by December 2026, with Infantino positioning the pledge as he seeks re-election for a fourth term.
Related stories
Oddsrama retells the day's football news in our own words, with full credit to the source. 18+. Play responsibly.