The proposed funding package could significantly increase development support for the Nigeria Football Federation from 2027, while giving member associations access to additional project funding

FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Tuesday unveiled a potentially transformative funding proposal that could give each of the 211 member associations, including the Nigeria Football Federation, up to $20 million in additional project financing while substantially increasing regular development allocations from 2027.

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The proposal, which FIFA said is subject to approval by its member associations and the FIFA Council, is designed to expand investment in football infrastructure, national teams, coaching, competitions, grassroots programmes and women’s football across the world.

Under the proposed structure, the FIFA Forward development allocation would rise from the current $8 million to $20 million per member association for the 2027 to 2030 cycle.

The allocation would then increase to $22 million for the 2031 to 2034 cycle and $24 million for 2035 to 2038.

In addition, each association could access an optional one-off $20 million through the proposed FIFA Fast Forward Programme for exceptional projects.

For the NFF, the proposal could represent a significant opportunity to strengthen football development in Nigeria, particularly if the additional resources are channelled towards long-term infrastructure, youth development, coaching and grassroots competitions.

FIFA said the proposed funding would be facilitated through FIFA Forward Enterprise, a new FIFA-owned and controlled subsidiary that would consolidate the organisation’s commercial and event operations.

The governing body said FIFA Forward Enterprise could raise up to $4.2 billion later this year, based on an initial equity valuation of $20 billion, by selling minority, non-controlling interests to selected long-term private investors.

FIFA, however, stressed that it would retain full control of the entity and exclusive authority over football governance, competitions, the international match calendar and all regulatory and sporting decisions.

The proposed commercial structure has already attracted criticism, particularly from UEFA, as debate continues over the extent to which private investment should be introduced into FIFA’s commercial operations.

FIFA maintained that all net benefits generated by FIFA Forward Enterprise would ultimately be reinvested in football development worldwide.

Infantino described the proposal as an attempt to ensure that the commercial growth of football translates into broader benefits for the sport’s global membership.

“Football is the world’s most popular sport and an extraordinary engine of human and social development,” Infantino said.

“Every FIFA Member Association should have an opportunity to seek a fair share of the available funding to shape its own future, deciding for itself rather than relying on others. This is about the democratisation of football worldwide.”

The proposed FIFA $20m funding package would also provide member associations with greater flexibility to pursue projects tailored to their individual needs.

According to FIFA, the Fast Forward Programme could support major capital projects, including stadiums, national training centres and other long-term football infrastructure.

The proposal comes after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which FIFA said demonstrated the impact of increased investment in football development. Cabo Verde and Curaçao, for example, qualified for the tournament for the first time.

FIFA said its planned development commitment could exceed $10 billion over the next four years if the proposed changes are approved, potentially making it the largest development investment by a sports organisation.

For Nigeria, the potential increase comes at a time when the country’s football authorities continue to face the challenge of developing sustainable pathways for young players while improving infrastructure and strengthening national teams.

The NFF’s ability to access and effectively deploy the proposed funds could therefore become an important factor in shaping the future of Nigerian football, from grassroots programmes to elite competition.

However, the proposed financial expansion will depend on FIFA completing its governance process and securing the required approvals from its member associations and the FIFA Council.

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If approved, the package would mark a powerful expansion of FIFA’s global development model, placing significantly greater resources in the hands of national football associations while preserving FIFA’s control over the sport’s central governance and regulatory framework.