Industry Odisha Bureau, Sept 19: UEFA and CONCACAF have called on FIFA to distribute at least $10 million from its reserves to each of its 211 member associations during the 2027-2030 cycle.
The two confederations said FIFA is expected to end the 2023-26 cycle with around $6 billion in reserves. This was mentioned in a letter signed by UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and Concacaf president Victor Montagliani. They argued that a portion could be released for infrastructure and football development.
The proposed one-off payout would cost FIFA about $2.11 billion and would be separate from its regular funding programmes. UEFA and Concacaf have also called for an independent review of FIFA’s financial position. This includes access to the figures and assumptions behind its financial projections.
The demand follows the withdrawal of FIFA Forward Enterprise, a proposal under which FIFA had planned to create a new commercial structure for its competition related business. FIFA had said the proposal could generate additional funding for member associations. The organisation later withdrew the plan following opposition from several confederations.
The latest proposal comes amid continuing scrutiny of FIFA president Gianni Infantino and the abandoned plan. The English Football Association has separately sought documents related to the proposal, according to reports.
UEFA and Concacaf have also asked FIFA’s other confederations to support the proposed distribution. The matter is expected to add to discussions over FIFA’s finances and development funding ahead of the next FIFA Council meeting.
