FIFA president Gianni Infantino has indicated that more money could be distributed to FIFA members from its estimated £4.4bn in cash reserves. In a letter sent to the governing body's six continental confederations, Infantino said he would support "the greatest level of additional funding that can responsibly be delivered". This move comes as Infantino faces pressure over his aborted FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan, which proposed selling stakes in the World Cup and other competitions to private investors.
Infantino's letter comes after UEFA and Concacaf, the confederations for Europe and North America, Central America and the Caribbean, demanded that FIFA pay $10m (£7.5m) to all 211 members from its reserves. The proposal will be considered by the FIFA Council at its meeting on 15 October. Infantino said in the letter that he would not prejudge the amount, adding that a single figure could begin the discussion but not complete a global policy.
The FIFA president issued his latest defence of the failed proposal to sell a slice of the World Cup commercial rights, which drew calls for his resignation. Infantino claimed that the proposal was intended to generate additional money for the game. He stated that the recent commercial proposal, now withdrawn, was intended to enable FIFA to invest more in football.
Earlier this month, Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt, a FIFA vice-president, told Infantino to release all documents relating to his controversial plan and called for an independent review of FFE. This move is part of the increasing pressure on Infantino, who will stand for election for a fourth time in March 2027. His opponents have until 18 November to find an alternative candidate.
Infantino's pledge to distribute more cash to FIFA members is seen as an attempt to ease tensions within the governing body. The FIFA president has been facing criticism from various quarters, including UEFA and Concacaf, over his handling of the FFE plan. The plan's withdrawal has led to calls for Infantino's resignation, with some questioning his leadership.
The FIFA Council's meeting on 15 October will consider the proposal to pay $10m to all 211 members. If approved, this move could provide significant financial support to FIFA members, who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Infantino's pledge to distribute more cash to members is expected to be a key topic of discussion at the meeting.
Infantino's future as FIFA president remains uncertain, with his opponents having until 18 November to find an alternative candidate. The Swiss-Italian has been facing criticism over his handling of various issues, including the FFE plan. His pledge to distribute more cash to FIFA members may help to ease tensions, but it remains to be seen how this move will impact his leadership.
Key points
- FIFA president Gianni Infantino has pledged to distribute more money to the governing body's 211 members from its estimated £4.4bn in cash reserves.
- Infantino's pledge comes as he faces pressure over his aborted FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan, which proposed selling stakes in the World Cup and other competitions to private investors.
- The FIFA Council will consider a proposal to pay $10m to all 211 members at its meeting on 15 October.
