FIFA has allocated roughly $2.8 billion to its 211 member associations, six confederations, and various regional associations, funding over 1,600 key projects aimed at long-term football development during the first seven years of the FIFA Forward program.
This information comes from a comprehensive report on the program’s impact.
Launched in 2016 under the leadership of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the FIFA Forward program was created to ensure that football could be played worldwide.
Infantino emphasized the commitment to reinvest football-generated revenues for the sport’s global benefit, encompassing players of all genders and ages. He highlighted the program’s role in responsibly and transparently channeling investments into football.
Despite FIFA’s revenues only doubling, the program has achieved a sevenfold increase in investments since 2016, indicating effective funding delivery and execution for sustainable football development.
The report details that over $2.24 billion, representing 80% of the total investment from FIFA Forward 1.0 and 2.0 between 2016 and 2022, was directly provided to member associations.
This funding supported operational aspects of football development and specific long-term impactful projects.
Investments from 2016 to 2022 were categorized into eight areas. Administration and Governance received the largest share with $448.8 million, followed by Infrastructure at $415.2 million.
National Teams, Competitions, Equipment, and other categories also received substantial funding, including significant allocations for Women’s Football ($110.9 million) and Capacity Development ($86.8 million). The remaining funds were used for football operating expenses and unused allocations, totaling $135.6 million.
