UEFA, CONCACAF Seek FIFA Review, $2.1B Payout

On September 18, 2026 Ceferin and Montagliani sent Infantino a joint letter proposing at least $10 million to each of FIFA's 211 member associations in the 2027-30 cycle, about $2.1 billion total. FIFA is expected to end the year with about $6 billion in reserves and keep more than $1.5 billion after any payout. Support would be separate from the existing FIFA Forward programme. This follows the August 1 shelving of a private investment plan to sell a 20% stake in a company valued at $20 billion led by Joshua Kushner's group, after rejection by UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation. Ceferin and Montagliani argued the release would show member associations should not choose between development and good governance or financial support and considering proposals on merits. They called development an institutional FIFA responsibility, not individual discretion, and proposed joint analysis for the next Council meeting. UEFA requested an independent review on August 27. It has initiated legal action in US courts for documents on the proposal, which FIFA contests. The Council is expected to consider the plan October 15 ahead of the March 2027 election.