Vietnam set to receive $25 million in FIFA funding
Vietnam is expected to receive US$25 million in FIFA funding for the 2027-30 period under a proposed increase in financial support for the governing body's 211 member associations.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino (right) during a visit to Vietnam. Photo: VFF
At the FIFA U-15 World Cup, which ended in Azerbaijan on Friday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino reiterated the plan to increase funding for football development worldwide, including in Vietnam.
In an interview published on FIFA's official website, Infantino said each member association had received $250,000 annually, or $1 million over four years, when he became FIFA president 10 years ago.
He said the FIFA Council had decided to increase the amount to $25 million.
The additional funding would support youth football, women's football, and other football development programs worldwide.
His latest remarks followed FIFA's announcement of the proposed funding increase and its discussions with member associations about how the money would be used.
This week, Infantino met Sri Lankan Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage and Sri Lanka Football Federation President Jaswar Umar in Azerbaijan.
According to EconomyNext on Tuesday, the two sides discussed plans to use the proposed $25 million to develop football in Sri Lanka.
The country plans to build an internationally standard stadium, a high-performance sports training center, and around 40 local football pitches by 2031.
During a visit to Bhutan on October 19, Infantino also referred to the proposed $25 million support package.
According to the Bhutan Times on Tuesday, the Bhutan Football Federation proposed building an academy for 500 young players, including 250 boys and 250 girls, along with a school and four football pitches.
FIFA is expected to send experts to assess the project's feasibility.
The discussions in Sri Lanka and Bhutan show that the two football associations have begun preparing projects for the proposed funding, although FIFA has yet to complete the approval process.
Under the plan announced by FIFA on October 15, each member association would receive a total of $25 million during the 2027-30 cycle.
The proposed allocation comprises $10 million from the FIFA Forward 4.0 development program and an additional $15 million from the FIFA Surplus Solidarity Programme, which uses FIFA's financial surplus.
FIFA expects its global football development budget to reach $6.35 billion, more than double the original plan.
The increase is mainly attributed to better-than-expected commercial results from the World Cup 2026 .
As one of FIFA's 211 member associations, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) would be eligible for the funding if the proposal is approved and it meets FIFA's requirements.
Under FIFA regulations, the funding could be used for youth and women's football development, facility upgrades, and long-term football projects.
The FIFA Council is expected to finalize the proposal in December 2026 and submit it to the 77th FIFA Congress for final approval in March 2027.
Although FIFA has yet to approve the disbursement, its recent moves and discussions with member associations point to the proposed $25 million support package moving closer to formal approval.
The Ky - Huy Dang / Tuoi Tre News
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