FIFA Proposes Up to US$25 Million for African Football Associations
African football associations could receive up to US$25 million each over the 2027–2030 cycle under a proposed FIFA funding initiative designed to boost football development around the world.
The proposal, known as the FIFA Surplus Solidarity Programme, was presented to the FIFA Council during its meeting in Zurich, Switzerland, on Thursday. If approved, it would increase the financial support available to FIFA’s 211 member associations over the next four-year cycle.
The plan forms part of FIFA’s proposal to raise its total development funding to US$6.35 billion between 2027 and 2030, using a portion of its financial reserves following strong commercial returns from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
African Football Could Benefit From Increased Investment
For African football, the proposed funding could provide additional resources for national associations seeking to improve infrastructure, strengthen youth development and expand opportunities in the women’s game.
The initiative would also extend to continental confederations, regional and zonal associations, and other football stakeholders.
Increased investment could support long-term projects aimed at improving football facilities, developing talent and strengthening the structures needed to grow the game at grassroots and professional levels.
However, the proposed US$25 million allocation is not yet confirmed. The final amounts and conditions will depend on the programme’s approval and the rules governing how the money can be accessed.
FIFA Plans to Use Part of Its Financial Surplus
FIFA’s proposal is based on an unaudited forecast of a surplus of between US$5.2 billion and US$5.6 billion for the 2023–2026 financial cycle.
Despite the projected surplus, FIFA has proposed retaining US$1.7 billion in reserves to protect the organisation against unforeseen financial circumstances.
The Surplus Solidarity Programme would direct part of the available resources towards football development, increasing the funding accessible to member associations during the next cycle.
Final Decision Expected in 2027
The proposal still needs to pass through several stages before it can be implemented.
FIFA’s relevant committees are expected to finalise the programme’s eligibility criteria and procedures, including applications, approvals, disbursements, monitoring and auditing.
The FIFA Council is expected to consider the detailed framework in December 2026 before the proposal is submitted to the 77th FIFA Congress in March 2027 for approval.
If adopted, the programme could represent a significant increase in development funding for African football associations, although its eventual impact will depend on the final allocations, conditions and how effectively the resources are used.
