FIFA could disburse millions to members as Infantino seeks re-election

What the report says

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is considering proposals to distribute additional money to the governing body’s 211 member associations as he prepares for a re-election bid in March, according to Al Jazeera’s report citing a letter he sent to the heads of FIFA’s six regional confederations. The issue is expected to be discussed at a FIFA Council meeting on October 15, with Infantino indicating he wants any funding to follow FIFA’s governance process and be transparent and auditable.

The report says the move comes as Infantino faces growing opposition over his leadership and over earlier plans to create a new commercial vehicle, FIFA Forward Enterprise, which would have involved selling part of a proposed entity linked to World Cup and tournament operations. He has also drawn criticism from football leaders and rights groups, and his attempt to seek a fourth term has been challenged on the basis of FIFA’s term limits.

Al Jazeera reported that some regional and national officials have been pressing for direct financial distributions. The piece says UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation have raised similar demands, while the English Premier League and three other major European leagues recently called for governance reform. If adopted, the funding could become a key part of Infantino’s efforts to retain support from member associations ahead of the election.