Infantino Signals Larger Payout to FIFA Members from Reserves
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has told confederations he supports delivering the greatest responsible additional funding from FIFA's £4.4bn cash reserves, amid pressure over his withdrawn plan to sell stakes in World Cup commercial rights.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has indicated that a larger sum could be distributed to member associations from the governing body's estimated £4.4bn cash reserves. In a letter to FIFA's six continental confederations on Monday, Infantino said he would back "the greatest level of additional funding that can responsibly be delivered." The letter was seen by BBC Sport.
The communication follows demands from UEFA and Concacaf, representing Europe and North America, Central America and the Caribbean, for FIFA to pay $10m (£7.5m) to each of its 211 members from reserves. The FIFA Council is due to consider the proposal at its meeting on 15 October. Infantino declined to commit to a specific figure, stating that a single number can start talks but cannot finalize a global policy.
Infantino has faced growing scrutiny over his aborted FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan, which would have sold stakes in the World Cup and other competitions to private investors. The proposal triggered a strong backlash and calls for his resignation, and it was withdrawn.
In the letter, Infantino defended the failed initiative, writing that the commercial proposal was intended to allow FIFA to invest more in football. He has repeatedly argued that the aim was to generate additional money for the game.
The controversy has also drawn intervention from Debbie Hewitt, chair of the Football Association and a FIFA vice-president. Earlier this month, she asked Infantino to release all documents related to the plan and called for an independent review of FFE.
Infantino is set to stand for a fourth term in March 2027, with opponents having until 18 November to put forward an alternative candidate. The debate over reserves and the FFE plan continues to shape the election backdrop.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
