FIFA invests 10 billion in football development

FIFA is preparing to launch a massive financial plan aimed at supporting and developing the game worldwide, allocating over $10 billion to national associations, a move contingent upon member associations approving the new mechanism. The plan is based on two main tracks. The first involves exceptional support, granting each national association the opportunity to receive $20 million in a single payment to fund major projects, particularly those related to infrastructure and the development of sports facilities. The second track relies on increasing regular, periodic support in future cycles. According to the proposed plan, the annual funding provided to associations will rise from the current $8 million to $20 million between 2027 and 2030, then to $22 million in the following cycle from 2031 to 2034, before reaching $24 million between 2035 and 2038. The project is linked to the creation of a new commercial arm called "FIFA Forward Enterprise," which will manage commercial rights related to sponsorship, broadcasting, and ticketing. FIFA has confirmed that it will retain full control over sporting and regulatory decisions and the tournament schedule. The new commercial entity aims to raise approximately $4.2 billion through minority stakes from private investors, based on an initial asset valuation of up to $20 billion. These investors will not be granted managerial authority or control over decision-making. Implementation of the project is expected to hinge on the approval of a majority of member associations and the FIFA Council. This comes as FIFA seeks to bolster its finances and expand its support programs, while the football community awaits the impact of this move on the future governance of the game globally.