FIFA Forward 2016-2022: The report confirms strong progress in the development of football around the world

• The results show that approximately USD 2,8 billion have been made available between 2016 and 2022
• FIFA Forward has funded more than 1 600 projects between 2016 and 2022, of which almost a third concerns football infrastructures
• The cycle 3.0 from FIFA Forward promises even more results, with investments increasing by up to USD 8 million per FIFA member association between 2023 and 2026

Thanks to its Forward development program, FIFA put almost USD 2,8 billion at the disposal of its 211 member associations, of the six confederations and the different regional/territorial associations. This initiative made it possible to finance more than 1 600 projects that will leave a long-term legacy for football, as indicated in a recent report devoted to the assessment of these first seven years of existence.

Created in 2016 in the wake of the election of Gianni Infantino as FIFA president, the Forward program was designed around a clear idea : allow everyone to play football, around the world. In hindsight, his contribution to football development activities leaves little room for doubt as to the success of his mission.

“We are committed to using football revenues to help develop our sport around the world., for girls and boys, women and men. We kept our word”, recalled President Infantino. “These investments are as much our responsibility as an obligation. Or, FIFA Forward provides us with the ideal structure – transparent and efficient – ​​to fulfill this mission. Results : investments multiplied by seven since 2016, while FIFA's revenues have not even doubled over the same period. This shows that in addition to being managed correctly, funds are used in a targeted manner and with a high degree of supervision in order to sustainably serve the development of football. »

The report further highlights that 80% investments made within the framework of the cycles 1.0 and 2.0 of FIFA Forward between 2016 and 2022 (plus USD 2,24 billion) were carried out directly with member associations, whether to make a vital contribution to football development activities or facilitate investments in long-term football-related projects.

The report classifies investments made during the period into eight categories. Administration and governance represents the most important position within 211 member associations with USD 448,8 millions, followed by infrastructure (USD 415,2 millions). National teams (USD 357,5 millions), the competitions (USD 186,1 millions) as well as equipment and other (USD 181,1 millions) also benefited from significant funds, just like women's football (USD 110,9 millions) and skills building (USD 86,8 millions). Operational expenses and unused funds (USD 135,6 millions) complete this table.

These investments enabled the development of 577 new lands and the creation of 208 new competitions. Thanks to that, 300 000 men and women around the world are taking advantage of new opportunities to practice the sport they love.

“Through the Forward program, FIFA works daily with each of its member associations to develop football. This activity continues, at all levels, is the key to the success of our sport. Thanks to the benefits of these projects, we will pass this success on to future generations”, dear Mattias Grafström, Acting FIFA Secretary General.

Launched in 2023, the cycle 3.0 of FIFA Forward promises to further strengthen these trends as each member association will be eligible to receive up to USD 8 million over the four-year cycle, in addition to the sums made available to confederations and regional/territorial associations. As in previous versions of the program, FIFA also disseminates specialized and local know-how, and watches, thanks to its reinforced control measures, that the sums invested are used to the best advantage.