FIFA accuses European football chiefs of 'harassment' against Gianni Infantino

Fifa President Gianni Infantino has indicated that the world governing body could consider providing larger financial support to its 211 member associations. The Fifa Council will discuss potential additional payments during their meeting on October 15. In a letter addressed to the presidents of the six continental confederations, Infantino pledged his support for the "greatest level of additional funding that can responsibly be delivered," while emphasizing that no specific figure had been approved.

Infantino's proposal to sell a portion of the World Cup commercial rights, which had caused controversy and led to demands for his resignation, has been withdrawn. The plan was intended to generate extra funds for football development. A proposal put forward by Infantino's critics, European football chief Aleksander Ceferin and Victor Montagliani, chairman of the North and Central American and Caribbean body, suggested that each member association should receive US$10 million over the period from 2027-2030.

Infantino responded by stating his intention to match any other offers, ensuring that Fifa's governance process would be responsible in determining the level of additional funding provided. Despite the backlash over his now-abandoned plan to involve private investment in the men's and women's World Cups, Infantino has received support from FIFA's hosts for the 2034 World Cup, Saudi Arabia, and two continental football governing bodies, CAF and Conmebol.