FIFA pledged to increase resources after abandoning its investment plan.
FIFA's president has announced increased investment in football development and a review of the governance structure, following the shelving of a controversial commercial project.
The International Football Federation has announced plans to review management reforms and increase funding for football development, following the cancellation of the FIFA Forward Enterprise project, according to the specialized sports economics platform. The decision was made at a FIFA Council meeting on October 15, 2026.
In an official statement, FIFA President Gianni Infantino apologized for the mistakes associated with the now-cancelled project. The initiative aimed to establish a commercial framework for managing FIFA's revenue and included a proposed investment fund linked to Joshua Kushner, which faced significant criticism and opposition.
FIFA has pledged to invest $6.35 billion in football development across 211 member federations, confederations, and other stakeholders. The organization has also announced the formation of a working group to explore potential governance reforms.
This development is significant because global football revenues not only cover the costs of competitions and international administration but also fund infrastructure development, grassroots football, and national federation programs. The allocation of these resources and the transparency of investment decisions can therefore impact the trust of members and stakeholders.
However, simply announcing increased funding is not enough to assess the success of the new policy. It is essential to monitor the fulfillment of commitments, budget allocation criteria, financial reporting, and measurable project outcomes moving forward.
For federations and clubs, FIFA's experience serves as a reminder of the importance of distinguishing between investment promises and actual results. The financial sustainability of football depends not only on the volume of resources but also on the quality of governance, accountability, and cost-effectiveness.
Source: Official FIFA announcement regarding the Council meeting and proposed reforms — October 15, 2026.
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