UEFA targets the reserves
UEFA wants FIFA to release part of its multibillion-dollar reserves to national football associations following the collapse of the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise project.
The abandoned proposal would have allowed private investors to pay $4.2 billion for a 20% interest in a new commercial subsidiary controlling rights linked to the World Cup and other major FIFA competitions.
Gianni Infantino had argued that external investment could expand development funding. UEFA now questions why private money was considered necessary when FIFA already holds billions of dollars.
According to UEFA’s official statement, the reserves belong to FIFA’s member associations. UEFA will therefore work with other confederations to explore a “responsible release” of part of the money while protecting FIFA’s financial stability.
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The proposal has not been adopted by FIFA and no distribution model has yet been published.
Record income changes the debate
The size of FIFA’s finances gives the proposal considerable political weight.
As reported by The Associated Press, FIFA is expected to have approximately $5 billion in cash reserves after the 2026 World Cup helped lift revenue to a record $15 billion across the 2023–26 commercial cycle.
That expectation is different from FIFA’s current published reserves and should not be presented as an already confirmed balance.
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The dispute is also about more than accounting. Development payments are particularly important to smaller football associations, many of which rely heavily on FIFA funding for facilities, youth programmes, women’s football and administrative costs.
A transparent, rules-based release of reserves could reduce the ability of any president to present development money as a personal favour.
A new financial model gains support
The Dutch Football Association has proposed an ambition for FIFA to reinvest up to 90% of its available income in football.
The KNVB wants the money distributed transparently under clear rules and directed towards youth and women’s football, coaching, refereeing, facilities and the development of national associations.
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The battle over FIFA’s leadership is therefore becoming a battle over its money. Ahead of the presidential election in March 2027, the way FIFA distributes its billions could become one of the campaign’s most important issues.
