Infantino told to share Fifa’s £1.5bn

By the Editorial Team · Monday, October 12, 2026

UEFA and CONCACAF presidents have called on FIFA President Gianni Infantino to immediately distribute over $2 billion directly to all 211 member associations instead of funding new proposals like selling stakes in the World Cup. Their joint letter stresses the need for financial transparency, inclusive decision-making, and increased funding to regional bodies ahead of the upcoming FIFA Council meeting in Zurich.

Football leaders have urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to distribute more than $2 billion (£1.5 billion) immediately to the organization’s 211 member associations without the need to sell stakes in the World Cup or other tournaments. The call, made through a joint letter from UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin and CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani, asserts that such a payout—equivalent to $10 million per member—would be financially feasible while leaving FIFA with reserves of around $2.6 billion.

The letter, which has been circulated to all members of the FIFA Council ahead of their meeting in Zurich this week, highlights concerns about the transparency and management of Infantino’s recent proposals. Central to the controversy is the president’s plan to establish FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a new entity intended to sell a 20 percent stake in the World Cup and other major FIFA tournaments to external investors.

Infantino had indicated that member associations would receive additional funding only if they supported the FFE initiative. However, many council members have questioned why they were not consulted in advance and why comprehensive financial analyses were not provided before moving forward with the plan.

The joint letter emphasizes that the council should be furnished with detailed financial information for any significant proposals to avoid the uncertainty that has accompanied the FFE process. “There are many remaining questions regarding the FFE proposal which must be addressed in the council meeting,” the letter states, underscoring the need for greater clarity and inclusivity in decision-making.

In July, it was reported that Infantino had eyed Joshua Kushner, known for his familial connection to former U.S. President Donald Trump, as a potential lead investor to buy a $4.3 billion stake in the World Cup. The scheme was ultimately withdrawn following widespread criticism.

The correspondence also calls for a “simpler, more accessible process” for national associations to receive FIFA funding. It recommends increasing financial allocations by $36 million to each of the six regional confederations, alongside an additional $3 million to each regional union.

The appeals from UEFA and CONCACAF represent a broader push among football governing bodies for greater financial transparency, equitable resource distribution, and more inclusive governance within FIFA as scrutiny intensifies around the organization’s financial strategies and leadership decisions.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.