Infantino's assertion comes as he continues to face pressure from several high-profile football associations, including Uefa and Concacaf. The Fifa president was speaking in a rare interview with BBC Sport about his position following controversy surrounding the Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal.

According to Infantino, it is not uncommon for different viewpoints to coexist within organisations like Fifa, saying "there is nothing bad in disagreeing" and that people are often expected to put aside their differences. The president went on to suggest that moving forward requires finding common ground despite differing opinions.

The controversy surrounding the FFE proposal has led several high-profile football associations to call for Infantino's resignation. Uefa, the governing body of European football, was among those who signed a letter accusing Infantino of breaking trust "through deception".

Infantino has been under pressure since last month when he faced mounting calls to stand down as president of Fifa, an organisation he has led since 2016.

Infantino has been actively campaigning for his re-election as Fifa president, having recently toured several countries in Africa and Asia.

During these visits, he appears to have secured significant support from key football governing bodies, including the Asian Football Confederation, which had initially expressed reservations about FFE but ultimately endorsed Infantino's leadership.

In a bid to boost his popularity, Infantino has also proposed a substantial increase in funding for football development worldwide, with a $3.4bn allocation aimed at promoting the sport globally.

This move is seen as an attempt to address criticism that Fifa's commercial activities have prioritized profits over grassroots development and community engagement.

Infantino's efforts to shore up support come after he faced intense pressure from within Fifa's own ranks following his decision to scrap FFE, which had been intended to generate revenue through the sale of commercial rights.

Infantino's efforts to address criticism from within Fifa's ranks are being echoed through his public statements.

The Fifa president recently spoke at the inaugural Under-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan, where he acknowledged that some decisions made by his administration may not have been entirely successful.

He expressed a desire for more frequent dialogue with Uefa, an effort aimed at mending the strained relationship between the two organizations.

Infantino's willingness to engage in open communication is seen as a crucial step towards rebuilding trust and confidence in Fifa's leadership.

In response to questions about his suitability for the position of Fifa president, Infantino emphasized that he was elected by 211 member associations worldwide.

Infantino acknowledged that there are various opinions on how to run Fifa, but emphasized the need for respect towards all views.

The deadline for candidates to confirm their intention to stand against Infantino in the upcoming election is fast approaching, with just a few weeks left until 18 November.

Infantino's re-election prospects have been boosted by recent developments, particularly the support he has received from Asian football associations following a significant U-turn.

Meanwhile, Fifa Under-15 World Cup and Festival underway in Azerbaijan, where Infantino was spotted on Friday attending the event alongside teams from 189 member associations.

The tournament is structured to accommodate young players, with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility. From next year, the event will be open to girls only, marking a significant shift in the competition's format.

In 2028, Fifa plans to introduce an annual joint boys' and girls' tournament, allowing for equal participation and representation of both sexes.

BBC Sport: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c6q8nd9g9n72o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss

Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, President of the Asian Football Confederation, delivered his endorsement at the confederation's Congress in Tokyo. He told attendees that the Asian Football Confederation reaffirms its commitment to supporting Infantino as he seeks a new mandate as Fifa president.

This reversal comes just two months after Sheikh Salman signed a joint letter with Uefa and Concacaf heads criticizing Infantino over his failed plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. The three confederations had accused him of breaching trust through deception and demonstrating poor judgment, saying these qualities are not suitable for football's leadership.

Sheikh Salman has now shifted his stance, urging members to move forward and supporting Infantino's re-election bid. He claimed that a significant number of Asian Football Confederation members have expressed their backing for Infantino, with their commitment clear.

The support for Gianni Infantino from key regions around the globe continues to grow as he seeks re-election as FIFA president. A significant endorsement has come from Asia, where a top official has expressed his backing for Infantino's fourth term.

Sheikh Salman, a prominent figure in Asian football, has given his full support to Infantino, praising his efforts over the past 13 years. This endorsement is seen as crucial in securing Infantino's re-election, especially when combined with his strong power base in Africa and South America.

The voting dynamics at the upcoming election in March will play a significant role in determining the outcome. With Uefa holding 55 votes, Africa having 54, Asia possessing 46, Concacaf boasting 35, Oceania having 11, and Conmebol with 10, Infantino's chances of securing another term appear strong.

The deadline for candidates to confirm their intention to run against Infantino is set for November 18, but so far none have officially announced their candidacy. Potential rivals such as Victor Montagliani and Aleksander Ceferin have already expressed their disinterest in challenging Infantino for the top spot.

Infantino's re-election bid received a significant boost when Sheikh Salman, president of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), expressed his full support for the FIFA chief.

Sheikh Salman's endorsement came in response to Infantino's pledge to continue working closely with AFC and Fifa. In a meeting with reporters, Sheikh Salman praised Infantino's leadership and vowed to maintain their partnership.

Infantino's apology for his World Cup sell-off plan did little to quell criticism from Uefa, which has demanded that he release key documents and answer questions about his governance and decision-making by 2 November.

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The AFC's endorsement is significant because it could potentially sway the votes of its 47 member confederations, which would be crucial in guaranteeing Infantino's re-election. However, not all members may follow the direction set by Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, the head of the AFC.

Infantino, who has been seeking a fourth term as FIFA president, is facing no opposition so far. The deadline for candidates to file against him is November 18, but none have done so yet. The FIFA election is scheduled to take place in March.

Sheikh Salman's endorsement of Infantino was made public with a show of support at the Tokyo congress. He greeted Infantino warmly, embracing him in front of the membership and expressing his commitment to supporting the FIFA president.

The AFC's sudden shift in stance on Infantino's re-election comes after a period of tension between the two football governing bodies.

Sheikh Salman acknowledged that not all AFC members would agree with the endorsement, but expressed confidence that most would support it.

He made these remarks as he addressed Infantino directly, saying his own feeling was shared by many of his members.

In contrast to this new stance, just over two months ago the AFC joined other governing bodies in criticizing Infantino's handling of a proposed $4.2bn plan to sell stakes in FIFA events.

Infantino had apologized for "mistakes made in assembling the now-scrapped plan during a recent meeting with FIFA's ruling council, which he chairs.

The AFC president glossed over any details regarding past disagreements when referencing these issues in his speech.

Sheikh Salman instead chose to focus on a more positive note, saying that Infantino had clarified their understanding of each other during their recent meeting in Zurich.

Sheikh Salman emphasized that past controversies surrounding Infantino's re-election bid were now a thing of the past, and it was time for the football community to move forward together.

This sentiment was echoed by FIFA's media office, which has been actively promoting Infantino's travels around the world in an effort to garner votes from various countries. In exchange for their support, these nations can expect significant financial backing from FIFA to develop their local football programs.

Infantino's extensive travel schedule has left many wondering how he manages to visit almost every country on the globe. Sheikh Salman playfully suggested that Infantino might have a clone who is accompanying him on his travels, prompting a laugh from the audience.

Sheikh Salman's comments were met with applause, and he reiterated his support for Infantino's re-election bid in front of the gathered crowd.

Infantino took to the podium after Sheikh Salman's speech and delivered a lighthearted address that acknowledged some mistakes.

In his remarks, Infantino reflected on FIFA's accomplishments under his leadership, while also emphasizing the importance of learning from past errors. When you do many things, you do, hopefully, as we did, many good things, you do some mistakes as well," he said.

Al Jazeera: https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2026/10/23/asian-football-endorses-infantino-re-election-as-fifa-president?traffic_source=rss

Fifa president Gianni Infantino had already come under scrutiny at the Fifa Council meeting on Thursday, where he apologized for his World Cup sell-off plan but failed to offer a satisfactory explanation of how the proposal was developed.

In a sharply worded letter, Uefa general secretary Theodore Theodoridis accused Fifa of dodging key questions and failing to provide necessary documentation. He noted that despite numerous requests, many fundamental queries remain unanswered.

The eight-page document outlining 42 questions is a comprehensive list covering sensitive topics such as the private investment arm of Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE), the organization's Peace Prize initiative, and the controversial decision to suspend USA striker Folarin Balogun from the World Cup.

Fifa's recent actions - including withdrawing FFE, acknowledging past mistakes, and announcing potential governance reforms - have not adequately addressed how decisions were made or why key stakeholders were left in the dark. Uefa is now demanding that Fifa provides clear explanations for these omissions.

The letter makes it clear that the requested information cannot be pushed to the sidelines until the next meeting of the Fifa Council, and that accountability for past decisions must be addressed immediately.

The letter from Uefa poses a series of questions about the Football Federation of Europe (FFE), which was approved by Fifa's management board last month despite some concerns raised by European football leaders.

Among the key points, Uefa is seeking information on when the idea of FFE first emerged and who authorized its development. They are also interested in knowing which members of the Fifa administration were involved in the project and what measures will be put in place to prevent similar shortcomings from occurring again in the future.

Uefa's letter questions the circumstances surrounding Infantino's initial presentation of the FFE plan to senior Fifa executives, including whether he informed them about a potential investigation into Fifa by US authorities. According to Uefa, this statement was allegedly made two days before the vote on the FFE proposal and could have potentially influenced the decision.

The letter from Uefa also asks Infantino to confirm whether such a statement was indeed made and provide details on the information that led to it. They are seeking clarification on why he raised the issue at that particular moment and whether he considered its potential impact on members who were about to vote on FFE.

Furthermore, Uefa is requesting information on Infantino's involvement in FFE, including whether he would have held any position or role within the organization during or after his tenure as Fifa president. This line of questioning aims to shed light on the extent of his potential influence and control over FFE.

The tone of Uefa's letter suggests that they are seeking transparency and accountability from Infantino regarding the FFE project, which has raised concerns among European football leaders about its legitimacy and implications for the sport.

Uefa's letter to Infantino raises questions about the involvement of Joshua Kushner's Thrive Capital in the FFE project. Specifically, why was an agreement granting exclusivity to the company signed without prior consultation of the Fifa Council? This move has sparked concerns among European football leaders.

The selection of Thrive Capital as lead investor without a competitive tendering process has also been questioned by Uefa. The fact that the company's links to the family of the recipient of the Fifa Peace Prize are not being disclosed has added to the controversy.

Uefa is seeking answers about the award of the Fifa Peace Prize, including who decided to establish it and why Donald Trump was chosen as its first recipient. These questions highlight the perceived lack of transparency surrounding the prize's establishment.

Infantino's handling of the FFE plan has been under scrutiny since its details were revealed after the World Cup final. He initially promised that member associations would receive $40m if they backed the project, with an initial payment of $20m to be made by a deadline of 19 September.

However, once the scheme was abandoned, Uefa and Concacaf called on Fifa to pay at least $10m from its cash reserves to each member association. Infantino has since agreed to increase funding for football development worldwide by $3.4bn.

Uefa is also seeking clarification about why increased funding for member associations was presented as part of the FFE project, rather than being financed directly from Fifa's resources. This question highlights concerns about the legitimacy and purpose of the FFE plan.

Fifa's financial situation has raised questions about its decision to seek investment from private investors despite having a strong financial position.

The move has sparked concerns over the legitimacy and purpose of Fifa's plan, particularly given its subsequent proposal to fund football development directly from its own resources on a much larger scale.

Sources indicate that Fifa's ability to answer certain questions is restricted due to ongoing legal action by Uefa in the US.

Fifa was requested to disclose evidence and documents as part of this case, with the threat of a criminal complaint being lodged in Switzerland if compliance is not met.

The scrutiny surrounding Fifa has also extended to Infantino, who faced criticism over his handling of a high-profile disciplinary case involving a player named Balogun.

Infantino's office had previously claimed that the disciplinary committee was independent, but it has since been announced that its legal committee will review and amend the disciplinary code to prevent similar situations in the future.

Fifa has been asked to provide detailed information on several key issues by Uefa, the governing body's main rival in European football. The requests include all correspondence between the chair of the disciplinary committee and Fifa's administration, including letters or emails exchanged with the president and chief legal officer.

Uefa is seeking clarification on the decision-making process behind the Balogun case, specifically the reasons for a single member of the committee making the final call. This includes details on the information and evidence presented to the committee.

Fifa has been asked about the unusual handling of DR Congo's World Cup qualifying match, where an ineligible player was reportedly fielded but no disciplinary action was taken. Typically, such incidents result in disqualification.

Reports have surfaced that Fifa President Infantino received additional compensation from FWC2026 US Inc., which organizes the US World Cup. Uefa wants Fifa to disclose the nature and amount of these payments, why they were not included in the annual report, and whether they were reviewed and approved by relevant bodies.

The tax implications of this extra remuneration are also a point of inquiry for Uefa, as it seeks confirmation on whether the additional salary was treated as taxable income and if corresponding taxes were paid.

Uefa has issued a stern warning to Fifa's Secretary General, Gianni Infantino, demanding that he release key documents related to several high-profile transactions and arrangements.

The European governing body is seeking clarification on a seven-year lease of office premises in Trump Tower, New York, which was reportedly arranged by Eric Trump, son of former US President Donald Trump. According to Uefa, the premises were unused for much of the year, raising questions about the financial implications of this arrangement for Fifa.

Uefa's letter also touches on the impartiality of the chair of the Fifa electoral committee, who attended the 2026 World Cup as an accredited individual with expenses covered by Fifa. This has led to concerns that the official may have had a conflict of interest in the upcoming presidential election.

Fifa has been asked to provide detailed explanations for these arrangements and interventions, including decision-making processes, potential conflicts of interest, financial implications, and the extent to which competent Fifa bodies were informed or consulted.

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Several members of FIFA's Council are questioning the prize's merit and have demanded changes, including abolishing it altogether. This move comes amidst ongoing criticism of FIFA President Gianni Infantino's plan to sell off World Cup broadcasting rights. The controversy surrounding the plan has led to calls for Infantino's removal from office.

The FIFA Peace Prize was introduced in November 2026 as an annual award given to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to peace through football. Trump became its first recipient just a month later, sparking debate about the prize's legitimacy and the selection process.

Critics of the prize argue that it undermines FIFA's commitment to promoting peace and unity through football.

FIFA's President Gianni Infantino is known for his high-profile endorsements and statements of support, including his comments on Donald Trump's Nobel Peace Prize chances.

Infantino had publicly advocated for Trump to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in brokering a ceasefire in the conflict over Gaza. This endorsement came despite widespread criticism of Trump's handling of international relations and humanitarian crises.

The prize ceremony at Washington DC's Kennedy Center was attended by celebrities and dignitaries, with Infantino presenting it to Trump as "your prize" and "your peace prize. The award is seen as a departure from FIFA's traditional focus on sports, raising questions about the organization's commitment to promoting unity through football.

Critics have pointed out that the timing of the recognition was suspiciously close to the US administration's actions in the Caribbean, where a deadly air strike took place just hours before. This has led to accusations that the prize is being used as a reward for the Trump administration's aggressive foreign policy rather than promoting peace and unity.

The controversy surrounding FIFA's Peace Prize has escalated further as several member nations have called for its discontinuation. This move comes after the prize was awarded to US President Donald Trump, sparking accusations that it is being used as a reward for aggressive foreign policy rather than promoting peace and unity.

Reports indicate that during Thursday's FIFA Council meeting in Zurich, Switzerland, some members demanded an end to the award. Others suggested that politicians should no longer be eligible to receive the prize. The debate highlights growing concerns about the purpose and impact of the Peace Prize.

FIFA has responded by assigning its 22-member Football Social Responsibility Committee to assess the merits of the award. The committee will provide a recommendation before the next council meeting in Doha, Qatar, on December 16. This decision is seen as a step towards addressing the controversy surrounding the prize.

FIFA vice president and English Football Association president Debbie Hewitt has confirmed that the committee's review will be comprehensive, examining how the prize was established, whether it was awarded appropriately, and who made the decision to award it to Trump.

The Norwegian Football Association has formally raised concerns about the awarding of the FIFA Peace Prize to US President Donald Trump. The association made parallel filings in October with various FIFA committees regarding this issue among others. According to a statement from NFF, their intention is to have these matters investigated and for relevant evidence to be obtained.

The NFF has been vocal in its criticism of the award, questioning whether it was given appropriately. In April, Lise Klaveness, president of the association, suggested that FIFA should abolish the peace prize altogether to avoid getting entangled in politics. Klaveness argued that a Nobel institution already exists to honor achievements in this area independently.

The NFF's stance on the issue is not unique. Human rights group FairSquare had previously filed a complaint with the FIFA Ethics Committee against Infantino, accusing him of compromising his duty of neutrality by supporting Trump. This move was seen as a breach of FIFA's human rights policy and a mockery of its values.

Criticism of the award has also come from within the football community. In late April, Australian midfielder Jackson Irvine expressed concerns that FIFA's actions had undermined the sport's credibility as a force for good, pointing to the apparent disconnect between FIFA's stated commitment to human rights and its actual behavior in this case.

The awarding of FIFA's peace prize to US President Donald Trump has sparked outrage among some critics who argue it undermines the organization's commitment to using football as a force for good and positive change in the world.

Former United Nations official Craig Mokhiber, who has campaigned for Israel's suspension from international football over its actions in Gaza, called the award truly shameful". He accused Infantino of inventing the peace prize to curry favor with Trump, while also obscuring his record on human rights and support for Israel.

Mokhiber pointed out that FIFA's complicity in alleged genocide in Palestine had already lasted two years, and that the organization's actions have become increasingly disconnected from society and grassroots football. This perceived disconnection has led some to question the credibility of football as a global force for good.

The award has also raised questions about Infantino's stance on geopolitical issues, particularly his refusal to take action against Israel over its actions in Gaza. Critics argue that this stance sends a message that football is willing to turn a blind eye to human rights abuses and other serious issues.

Mokhiber's criticism of FIFA's peace prize and the organization's handling of human rights issues highlights the growing concern among some critics that the award has become nothing more than a tool for Infantino to curry favor with world leaders.

The controversy surrounding FIFA's peace prize has intensified, coinciding with criticism aimed at Infantino over his recent proposal to introduce private investors into the organization's premium competitions.

Infantino's plan to open up the World Cup and other high-profile events to private investment was met with widespread opposition from governing bodies such as UEFA and CONCACAF. The backlash led to the abandonment of this plan, with many questioning Infantino's leadership and decision-making process within FIFA.

The latest developments have raised further concerns about Infantino's suitability to lead FIFA, which he has headed since 2016 and is currently seeking re-election in March amidst growing criticism over his handling of key issues.

Al Jazeera: https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2026/10/18/fifa-peace-prize-football-us-president-donald-trump?traffic_source=rss

Fifa President Gianni Infantino has offered an apology to the Fifa Council after his secret proposal to sell off a portion of the governing body's commercial rights sparked controversy. The deal, known as Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE), was shelved just days after its emergence. This move is seen as an attempt by Infantino to placate critics and restore trust in his leadership.

The Fifa Council convened in Zurich on Thursday for their first meeting since the FFE proposal surfaced. During a three-and-a-half-hour session, Infantino faced intense questioning about various issues including his plan to privatise some of Fifa's commercial assets. The move was seen as a significant departure from the traditional model of governing body ownership.

Under the scrapped FFE deal, a private investment firm would have been granted control over a portion of Fifa's lucrative commercial rights. This move has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the impact on the sport's integrity. Infantino's decision to abandon the plan may have temporarily eased tensions but it remains unclear whether this will be enough to restore confidence in his leadership.

The meeting ended with many questions still unanswered, including those related to US striker Folarin Balogun's suspended red-card ban and funding for national associations. Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt expressed her disappointment at the lack of transparency during the meeting.

The apology offered by Infantino during the meeting was met with skepticism, as chair Debbie Hewitt acknowledged that while there was some contrition expressed, it fell short of what was expected.

Infantino's apology focused primarily on not bringing the issue to the council earlier, rather than taking responsibility for the underlying actions. This lack of accountability has been a major point of contention for those calling for his resignation.

Uefa, a vocal critic of Infantino's leadership, has continued to press its case against him. The governing body has prepared criminal legal proceedings against the Fifa president and has lodged claims in three US courts seeking the release of documents related to FFE.

In response to questions about Uefa's stance on Infantino, Hewitt made it clear that there was no change in their position. From her perspective, nothing had shifted, despite Infantino's apology, and she remained unconvinced by his words.

Uefa has been searching for a candidate to challenge Infantino in the upcoming Fifa presidential election, but so far, none have emerged as serious contenders. Former defender Ramon Vega has expressed interest in running, but it remains unclear whether he will be able to secure the necessary support from member associations.

Senior figures within European football are reportedly pushing for former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to run against current Fifa President Gianni Infantino.

Wenger's potential candidacy has sparked speculation about his willingness to give up his position as global head of football development at Fifa in order to challenge his boss.

The deadline for candidates to put their name on the ballot is 18 November, and it remains unclear whether Wenger would be prepared to abandon his current role for a potentially uphill battle against Infantino.

Hewitt has acknowledged that Uefa and other opponents must find a candidate willing to run against Infantino in order to provide him with a rival.

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Wenger has been the governing body's head of global development since 2019, and some are questioning whether he would be willing to take on his own boss. However, those pushing for him to stand as a candidate say he is being seriously considered.

A meeting of the Fifa Council this Thursday will bring Infantino face-to-face with some of his most vocal critics, who have been calling for him to step down due to concerns over governance and the recent controversy surrounding the Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) scheme.

Infantino's plan to sell commercial stakes in the World Cup has sparked widespread criticism, leading to renewed calls for greater transparency within the organisation. His FFE scheme is expected to be a major point of contention at Thursday's meeting.

The Fifa Council will also discuss proposals for an increased budget of $3.4bn (£2.6bn) for football development, as well as governance reforms and disciplinary procedures in the wake of high-profile cases such as the Folarin Balogun affair.

The search for a credible challenger to Infantino's presidency has been ongoing, but so far none have emerged as strong contenders.

In fact, top candidates such as Victor Montagliani and Aleksander Ceferin have expressed disinterest in running against the incumbent president. This lack of opposition has allowed Infantino to maintain his grip on power by touring the world and securing support from key regions like Africa, South America, and Oceania.

As a result, there is growing expectation that he will be re-elected despite lacking the backing of roughly half of Fifa's 211 member associations. The only candidate to have publicly declared their intention to run is Ramon Vega, a former Tottenham defender, although his chances are seen as slim by many.

Wenger, who has been a senior member of Fifa's management team since leaving Arsenal in 2018, was spotted dining with Infantino and other council members on Wednesday evening. His presence at Thursday's meeting will undoubtedly be closely watched, particularly given the speculation surrounding his potential candidacy.

When asked about Wenger's intentions via Fifa, no comment was provided. Those close to the former manager are also tight-lipped about whether he is interested in running against Infantino, fueling further speculation and intrigue ahead of Thursday's crucial meeting.

Wenger's potential candidacy has sparked a mix of opinions within FIFA circles.

Some officials are skeptical about his intentions, but there are also those who believe he would be an ideal candidate for the role due to his respect and influence beyond Europe.

A senior official from a European national association praised Wenger's understanding of football development, stating that he "truly understands football development because he's been running it".

Wenger's experience working in Asia, particularly in Japan, has also earned him recognition and respect in regions outside of Europe.

His ability to connect with people from different backgrounds is seen as a major asset for the role.

Wenger's decision to remain in his role at Fifa has been met with surprise by some, given his public criticism of the organization's leadership.

In his position, Wenger oversees youth development programs in 60 countries and is also a technical adviser to the International Football Association Board (Ifab), which sets rules for the game worldwide.

His proposals have sparked controversy in the past, including suggestions for biennial World Cups and a 'daylight' offside law.

Wenger's potential candidacy for Fifa presidency has sparked both enthusiasm and skepticism within the organization. According to insiders, many of Fifa's staff believe that Wenger could revitalize the organization's image if he were to run.

However, not everyone shares this optimism. Some officials have expressed doubts about Wenger's ability to lead the organization effectively. One insider questioned whether Wenger would even consider running against Gianni Infantino, who appointed him in the first place.

The idea of Wenger serving a single term to introduce reforms has been floated by some as a potential compromise. While he is widely respected for his work on development programs and has a strong reputation within the sport, there are concerns that he may not be equipped to navigate the complex politics involved in running Fifa.

Wenger's legacy in English football is that of a trailblazer who introduced innovative tactics and nutrition programs, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

The possibility of him attempting to bring about change at Fifa is certainly an intriguing one, as Infantino has hinted at openness to discussions regarding reform.

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The governing body's reserves will be tapped into to release this significant increase in funding, which would more than double the amount previously planned for distribution from 2027-2030.

This move comes as a direct result of the commercial success of this summer's World Cup, which has generated substantial revenue for Fifa.

The proposal is set to be discussed at a meeting of Fifa's council on Thursday, and it follows a period of intense scrutiny for the organisation under its current leadership.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino's previous plan, known as Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE), was met with significant criticism from several key stakeholders.

Fifa has announced that it will provide additional funding from its reserves to support football development around the world. This move comes on top of the $2.7bn (£2.05bn) already allocated for the 2027-2030 cycle.

The total amount set aside for football development will now be $6.35bn (£4.83bn), a significant increase from the initial budget. This extra funding will be distributed among various stakeholders, including confederations and regional associations, as well as some non-Fifa affiliated groups.

Fifa has outlined specific allocations for each group: $99m (£75m) for the six confederations and $8.25m (£6.3m) for the 13 zonal/regional associations. Additionally, 100 member associations will receive $1.1m (£836,000) to support travel and equipment costs.

The distribution of funds will follow a specific framework: one third will go towards women's and youth football development, one third towards infrastructure projects, and one third towards other initiatives. This plan is set to be finalized by the Fifa council in December 2026, subject to approval at the 77th Fifa congress in March 2027.

The new proposal also includes measures to prevent similar incidents like the Folarin Balogun situation from happening again, where a player was allowed to continue playing despite being sent off. There are ongoing discussions about revising the disciplinary code to address such issues and ensure fairness in football.

Fifa is considering changes to its disciplinary code in response to recent controversies over player bans.

The proposed revisions would make it clear that automatic one-match bans for red cards cannot be suspended, addressing concerns about fairness in football. This clarification is aimed at preventing similar situations from arising in the future. The move follows scrutiny of the process surrounding Balogun's ban suspension.

A proposal has been put forward to add a list of instances where a ban cannot be suspended to Article 27 of Fifa's regulations. This would include automatic one-game bans for red cards, which are currently subject to review and potential appeal. The addition is intended to provide clarity and consistency in the application of disciplinary measures.

The proposed changes aim to restore trust in the disciplinary process and ensure that football remains free from undue influence or interference. If implemented, these revisions will help maintain the integrity of the sport and uphold its values of fairness and sportsmanship.

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