According to Kicker, UEFA and CONCACAF have demanded that FIFA distribute at least $10 million to each of its 211 member associations, totaling $2.1 billion.

The power struggle between FIFA and UEFA has intensified in recent months. Since FIFA President Gianni Infantino's plan to attract private investment in FIFA competitions was unveiled, UEFA has strongly opposed it. Now UEFA and its ally CONCACAF have escalated pressure further.

UEFA and CONCACAF are demanding that FIFA distribute funds to its 211 member associations. They claim that following the successful World Cup, each FIFA member association should receive an additional $10 million (€8.72 million), to be drawn from FIFA's substantially increased reserves.

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin and CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani stated in a letter to FIFA President Gianni Infantino that this "one-time distribution" is entirely affordable for FIFA. Kicker obtained a copy of the letter.

The letter states that FIFA is expected to hold approximately $6 billion (€5.23 billion) in reserves after the World Cup. This figure is significantly higher than the amount required to sustain FIFA during the less profitable years following the tournament.

Based on this analysis, UEFA and CONCACAF argue that FIFA is fully capable of distributing at least $10 million (€8.72 million) to each of the 211 associations, totaling $2.1 billion (€1.83 billion).

Čeferin and Montagliani stated: "Even after such a distribution, FIFA's reserves in the next cycle will remain at approximately $1.5 billion, which is about 50% higher than FIFA's own minimum reserve requirement for the 2023-2026 period."

Previously, Infantino had attempted to sell stakes in FIFA competitions to private investors, including those with ties to US President Donald Trump, but the plan failed. In response, the Swiss official had promised increased funding to member associations. However, UEFA and CONCACAF argue that this can be achieved without private investment.

UEFA and CONCACAF emphasize in their letter that FIFA must maintain financial soundness to meet its obligations and preserve adequate reserves. Čeferin and Montagliani stated that all relevant factors have been carefully considered, and FIFA currently holds billions in accumulated reserves. These funds belong to football and should serve the Sport and its 211 member associations. Where reserves exceed FIFA's foreseeable needs, a portion should be responsibly distributed.

They also stated that FIFA is already capable of providing additional funds to member associations based solely on its financial position, without selling stakes in competitions or seeking returns from member associations.

This demand is also designed to increase pressure on Infantino ahead of the FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco, on March 18, 2025, where Infantino plans to seek re-election. UEFA has called for his resignation and is preparing to file criminal charges against him in Switzerland. Infantino shows no intention of stepping down, suggesting the March vote could become contentious.

If Infantino runs, UEFA is almost certain to field an opponent. The candidate remains unclear, though there are indications that Canadian CONCACAF President Montagliani might run. The deadline for candidate nominations is November 18.

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