Infantino makes bigger cash pledge to Fifa members

Gianni Infantino has signalled that a larger share of FIFA’s estimated £4.4 bn reserves could be allocated to member associations, according to a letter he sent to the six continental confederations on Monday that was reviewed by BBC Sport. In the correspondence, Infantino stated he would pursue “the top level of further backing that tin responsibly beryllium delivered.” The note arrives amid intensifying scrutiny of his abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative, which had proposed selling stakes in the World Cup and other tournaments to private investors, provoking considerable opposition. Infantino’s communication follows a demand from UEFA and Concacaf that FIFA distribute $10 m (£7.5 m) to each of its 211 members from its reserves. The matter is slated for discussion at the FIFA Council meeting on 15 October. Infantino wrote, “I volition not prejudge the amount,” and added, “A azygous fig tin statesman the discussion, but it cannot implicit a planetary policy.” He also reiterated his defence of the withdrawn commercial scheme, asserting, “The caller commercialized proposal, present withdrawn, was intended to alteration Fifa to put much successful football,” and insisting the plan was meant to generate additional revenue for the sport. Earlier this month, Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt, a FIFA vice‑president, urged Infantino to release all documents related to the contested FFE proposal and called for an independent review of the initiative. Infantino is set to seek a fourth term in March 2027, with any challengers required to declare their candidacy by 18 November.