Gianni Infantino backs larger FIFA payments to federations

Gianni Infantino has opened the possibility of increased direct payments to FIFA’s member federations, while making clear that no amount has yet been approved. The FIFA president says he will support the biggest additional allocation that can be made responsibly through the organisation’s governance process.

Infantino set out his position in a letter sent on Monday to the presidents of FIFA’s six confederations. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and Concacaf president Victor Montagliani had called for at least $10 million to be distributed to each of FIFA’s 211 member associations, pointing to the organisation’s profits during the 2023-2026 cycle.

He has asked FIFA’s secretary general to gather all proposals before the Council determines the amount and timing of any new support. That process will also consider the reserves needed to protect FIFA’s financial strength and independence, alongside eligibility, implementation, reporting and audit requirements. FIFA’s reserve fund is valued at €6 billion. The Council is due to meet on October 15, its first session since a proposed commercial company was abandoned.

Infantino also proposed a time-limited consultation on strengthening FIFA’s decision-making. He said member associations should make the decisions requiring their approval, while disagreements should be handled through the organisation’s formal democratic and institutional procedures.