Football’s world governing body, FIFA, is proposing to distribute $25 million to each of its 211 member associations over four years, under a new funding plan aimed at expanding football development worldwide.

FIFA Plans Major Increase in Funding

Under the proposed arrangement, each national football association would receive $25 million over the four-year cycle, compared with the previously planned $10 million.

The plan also provides for each of FIFA’s six continental confederations to receive $99 million.

According to reports, FIFA intends to use more than $3.5 billion from its financial reserves to support the expanded funding programme, following the commercial success of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

FIFA Council to Consider Proposal

The proposal is expected to be discussed by the FIFA Council in Zurich on October 15.

If it receives the council’s backing, further consultations will take place before the plan is potentially finalised in December 2026. Final approval would then be required at the FIFA Congress scheduled for March 2027. 

The proposed increase would more than double the previously planned allocation to national associations, potentially providing additional resources for football infrastructure, administration and grassroots development.

Nigeria Could Benefit

If approved, the proposed funding could provide the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) with access to $25 million over four years under the scheme.

The funding could create opportunities to strengthen football development, support youth programmes and improve infrastructure, subject to FIFA’s final funding conditions and the NFF’s approved spending plans.

However, the proposal has not yet received final approval, and the precise conditions governing the distribution and use of the money remain subject to the completion of the process.

Funding Plan Amid FIFA Leadership Pressure

The proposal comes amid tensions surrounding FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the organisation’s abandoned plan to attract private investment into its commercial operations.

Leaders of UEFA and Concacaf had previously called for FIFA to release money from its substantial financial reserves to support member associations.

The new proposal would significantly expand the amount available to national football bodies, although its final implementation depends on approval by FIFA’s governing structures. 

The proposed $25 million allocation is not yet confirmed funding. National associations, including the NFF, will have to await the final decision and implementation guidelines before the amount can be treated as approved funding.