ZURICH — FIFA president Gianni Infantino has indicated that football’s world governing body could provide its member associations with more financial support, saying he would back distributing the maximum amount that can be responsibly allocated from FIFA’s substantial cash reserves.
In a letter sent Monday to the presidents of FIFA’s six continental confederations, Infantino said he supported “the highest level of additional funding that can responsibly be provided,” according to a letter seen by BBC Sport.
FIFA currently holds around £4.4 billion in cash reserves, with discussions underway over how much of that money could be distributed among its members.
The issue follows calls from UEFA and the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) for FIFA to provide $10 million, or roughly £7.5 million, to each of its 211 member associations from the reserves.
The proposal is expected to be discussed at a FIFA Council meeting on October 15.
Infantino said he did not want to determine the amount in advance.
“A specific figure may serve as a starting point for discussions, but it cannot define a global policy,” he wrote.
Pressure over private investment plan
Infantino has faced mounting pressure in recent months over a proposed private investment plan involving the sale of a share of the commercial rights to the World Cup and other FIFA competitions.
The proposal triggered strong opposition and was eventually withdrawn. Critics also called for Infantino to resign over the plan.
In his latest letter, however, Infantino again defended the rationale behind the proposal, saying its purpose had been to create additional opportunities for investment in football.
“The recently presented commercial proposal, which was subsequently withdrawn, was intended to enable FIFA to invest even more in football,” he wrote.
The debate over distributing FIFA’s reserves comes as member associations continue to seek greater financial support from the governing body, while FIFA weighs how much of its accumulated funds can be released without undermining its long-term financial position.
Infantino is also preparing to seek a fourth term as FIFA president at the election scheduled for March 2027.
Potential challengers have until November 18 to submit alternative candidacies for the presidency.
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