Infantino Signals Support for FIFA Member Payments
The FIFA president has signaled a potential $10 million payout for each of the organization’s 211 member associations.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Soccer
Live Poll
Should large international sports governing bodies distribute more of their cash reserves to member associations?
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has indicated support for distributing cash to member associations following pressure from Uefa and Concacaf. The move comes after Infantino abandoned a controversial plan to sell competition stakes to private investors.
Why it matters
The proposal aims to appease confederations by utilizing a portion of FIFA's significant cash reserves. This shift follows the cancellation of the FIFA Forward Enterprise plan, which had previously sought to generate revenue by selling competition stakes.
FIFA holds estimated cash reserves of £4.4 billion. The requested $10 million payment per member is equivalent to approximately £7.5 million.
The players
Gianni Infantino
He is the president of FIFA and is currently seeking a fourth term in office.
Debbie Hewitt
She is a key figure who has requested the release of documents concerning FIFA's internal commercial planning.
Uefa
This is the governing body for association football in Europe and a major power broker within FIFA.
Concacaf
This organization serves as the continental governing body for football in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
The details
Gianni Infantino outlined his stance in a letter sent to the six continental confederations. The decision to consider these payments follows a request from Debbie Hewitt for the release of all documents regarding the now-abandoned plan to sell World Cup stakes to private firms.
Timeline
September 28, 2026: Infantino sent a letter to continental confederations.
October 15, 2026: The FIFA Council will meet to consider the funding proposals.
November 18, 2026: Deadline for alternative presidential candidates to file nominations.
March 2027: The scheduled FIFA presidential election will take place.
Season Trajectory
The potential distribution of funds represents a major pivot in FIFA's financial strategy following the collapse of the FIFA Forward Enterprise plan. This shift significantly impacts the political landscape ahead of the presidential election.
The approval of $10 million per member would represent a massive influx of capital into the 211 member associations worldwide. This liquidity could directly affect infrastructure, training programs, and local development projects across all regions.
The takeaway
The move demonstrates how internal political pressure from major confederations can force leadership to reallocate significant liquid assets. Member associations will now watch closely to see if this proposal becomes a reality during the upcoming council meeting.
What happens next
The FIFA Council will meet on October 15, 2026, to formally consider the $10 million payment proposal. Additionally, alternative candidates for the presidency must be nominated by November 18, 2026.
Further reading
For more background on governance in the sport, visit the Soccer section.
Live Poll
Should large international sports governing bodies distribute more of their cash reserves to member associations?
