FIFA has proposed a massive $6.35 billion investment in global football development following the record commercial success of the 2026 World Cup, with Pakistan among 211 member associations expected to benefit from increased funding.
The proposed programme would more than double FIFA’s development funding for the 2027–2030 period, potentially providing each member association with up to $25 million to strengthen football infrastructure, support youth and women’s competitions, and expand opportunities for players worldwide.
According to details reported on October 16, the funding plan is part of FIFA’s broader effort to use the commercial success of its flagship tournament to support the sport’s growth beyond the world’s biggest football markets.
However, the proposal still requires final approval at the FIFA Congress scheduled for March 2027. The FIFA Council is expected to finalise details of the plan at its December 2026 meeting.
Pakistan among potential beneficiaries
The proposed increase could provide Pakistan and other member associations with additional resources to develop football at the grassroots level.
Funding priorities are expected to include women’s football, youth development and infrastructure, areas considered essential for building sustainable football programmes.
For Pakistan, additional investment could create opportunities to improve training facilities, strengthen youth competitions and expand participation, although the final allocation and spending arrangements will depend on FIFA’s approved funding framework.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the organisation’s resources belonged to its 211 member associations, highlighting the importance of distributing funds to support football across different countries.
He also pointed to the growth in development funding over the past decade, saying FIFA had sought to increase the amount available to each member association from $1 million to as much as $25 million.
“Football is for everyone and everywhere,” Infantino said.
FIFA retains emergency reserves
Alongside the proposed development investment, FIFA has suggested maintaining $1.7 billion in reserves to respond to emergencies and unexpected financial pressures.
The reserve plan would allow the organisation to retain a financial cushion while directing additional resources towards football development worldwide.
The proposed funding expansion follows the commercial success of the 2026 World Cup, which FIFA is using as a basis for supporting the sport over the next four-year cycle.
Infantino apologises over controversial project
In a separate development, Infantino acknowledged mistakes surrounding the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise project and apologised.
He confirmed that the initiative had been permanently withdrawn and would not be reintroduced in any form.
The FIFA Council has also established a working group to examine possible governance reforms within the organisation.
Meanwhile, a relevant committee has been tasked with reviewing the FIFA Peace Prize, with a decision expected at the council’s December meeting.
FIFA will also review its disciplinary procedures following the conditional deferral of a one-match suspension imposed on American footballer Folarin Balogun.
The proposed $6.35 billion development programme, if approved, would mark a major expansion of FIFA’s financial commitment to football and could provide member associations, including Pakistan, with greater resources to develop the game over the coming years.
