Sports
FIFA proposes new $20m funding package for 211 member associations
About 211 member associations will benefit $20 million each from a new funding package that is been proposed by the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA)
FIFA said the proposed new funding package is part of the world football governing body’s plans to increase investment in global football development.
The proposal, announced by FIFA on Tuesday, includes an optional one-off $20 million funding through the proposed FIFA Fast Forward Programme (FFFP) for special projects, as well as increased regular development allocations under the FIFA Forward programme.
Under the plan, member associations would receive $20 million each for the 2027-2030 cycle, up from the current $8 million allocation.
The funding would rise to $22 million per association for 2031-2034 and $24 million for 2035-2038.
However, the governing body would in return retain sole control of FFE and exclusive authority over football governance, competitions, match calendar, and all regulatory and sporting decisions.
The body will also, under the plan, sell a minority stake in its commercial operations to private investors, a clause widely criticised, particularly by UEFA.
But FIFA said the increased funding would support football infrastructure, coaching, national teams, competitions, grassroots football and women’s football development.
The statement read, “If approved, football development in every corner of the world would benefit immediately from increased funding available to all 211 FIFA Member Associations (MAs): (i) An optional USD 20 million per MA in exceptional and immediate funding for special projects from the new FIFA Fast Forward Programme (FFFP), (ii) USD 20 million per MA in Forward funding for 2027-2030 (currently budgeted USD 8 million), (iii) USD 22 million per MA in Forward funding for 2031-2034, and (iv) USD 24 million per MA in Forward funding for 2035-2038.
“This would be achieved via FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a new FIFA-owned and controlled subsidiary consolidating FIFA’s commercial and event operations; FIFA would retain sole control of FFE and exclusive authority over football governance, competitions, match calendar, and all regulatory and sporting decisions.
“FFE would raise up to USD 4.2 billion later this year to fund FFFP, based on an initial equity valuation of USD 20 billion by carefully selecting long-term investors who will purchase minority, non-controlling interests in FFE.”
The world football governing body said all net benefits generated by FFE would be reinvested into football development worldwide.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the move was aimed at ensuring that the commercial growth of football benefits all member associations.
“Football is the world’s most popular sport and an extraordinary engine of human and social development,” Infantino said.
“Parts of the game have turned that popularity into remarkable commercial value – and we celebrate that success and want it to continue, because it lifts the whole game. Our job is to make sure the rest of football grows with it: FIFA exists to support sustainable, inclusive development in every corner of the world.”
He added that every member association should have the opportunity to access funding and determine its own development path.
“Every FIFA Member Association should have an opportunity to seek a fair share of the available funding to shape its own future, deciding for itself rather than relying on others. This is about the democratisation of football worldwide,” he said.
FIFA said the proposal would only proceed after approval from a majority of its member associations and the FIFA Council, in line with its governance processes.
The organisation said the planned investment could bring its total development funding commitment to more than $10 billion over the next four years, making it the largest such commitment by a sports organisation.
FIFA added that the proposed changes followed the success of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where increased development support helped countries such as Cabo Verde and Curaçao qualify for the tournament for the first time.
The governing body said the FIFA Fast Forward Programme would allow member associations to access additional capital for projects such as stadiums, national training centres and other long-term football infrastructure.
Sports
FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup: Flamingos record 2-0 win over Puerto Rico
Nigeria’s U-17 Women National Team, the Flamingos, kept their campaign at the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco on track with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico in their Group B encounter on Tuesday night in Rabat.
The 2022 World Cup bronze-medallists started the game with real intent, pressing high and creating early problems for the Puerto Rican defence. It was a lively opening from both sides, but the Flamingos soon took control with their quick movement and direct play going forward.
The breakthrough came in the 25th minute when in-form striker Oluwakemi Adegbuyi finished brilliantly from Queen Joseph’s assist to put Nigeria 1-0 up. That goal settled the Nigerian girls and gave them the confidence to dominate possession for most of the first half.
In the second period, the Flamingos continued to push for another goal. Queen Joseph, Tosin Rafiu and Favour Nkwocha all came close, while Puerto Rico also tried to find a way back into the game with a couple of changes. Coach Hakeem Busari responded by introducing Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku in the 67th minute to add more energy and bite in attack.
The pressure finally paid off in the 90th minute when Nigeria got the second goal as substitute Precious Oscar nodded home a cross from Kemi Adegbuyi to seal the contest at 2-0. The team showed great maturity to see out six minutes of added time and secure all three points. The victory is a big boost for the Flamingos as North Korea defeated Poland 6-1 in the other match of Group B. The high-score deficit against the Poles is an advantage to the Flamingos ahead of Friday’s Group B encounter against the Koreans.
Sports
NPFL hammers Doma Utd with N5.25m fine, orders 3 home matches behind closed doors
Gombe based Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side, Doma United has been fined N5.25 million and ordered to play its next three home matches behind closed doors following security breaches and supporters’ misconduct during its 1-1 draw with Kun Khalifat FC.
The sanctions followed the club’s supporters alleged attack on Kun Khalifat of Owerri during the Matchday 9 fixture played at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe on Saturday, October 17.
In a disciplinary notice issued on Monday, the NPFL said Doma United failed to provide adequate and effective security, allowing unauthorised persons to access restricted areas.
The club was also fined 1 million for hostile conduct towards match officials and another 1 million for gross misconduct involving an official of the visiting team.
The club was further tasked to pa additional N250,000 as compensation for the medical treatment of Kun Khalifat head coach, Obinna Uzoho, who sustained an injury during the incident.
The total financial penalty amounts to 5.25 million, alongside the restriction barring spectators from the club’s next three home fixtures.
The disciplinary action also affects the match commissioner, who has been recommended for demotion to a lower league over alleged dereliction of duty, inadequate supervision and insufficient reporting of the match.
The club has 48 hours from the date of the notice to appeal the decision.
Sports
FIBA congratulates new NBBF president, recognizes election
The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has congratulated Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha on his election as President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), acknowledging the successful conduct of the federation’s elective congress held on October 15, 2026.
A statement from the NBBF Media office said FIBA, in an official letter signed by FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis congratulated Mustapha and all elected board members who will serve the federation for the 2026-2030 term.
FIBA’s letter acknowledged receipt of the NBBF’s communication confirming the outcome of the election and commended the federation’s commitment to good governance and compliance with its constitution and applicable FIBA regulations.
The recognition represents a significant endorsement of the electoral process and Mustapha’s emergence as NBBF president, reinforcing the international body’s acknowledgement of the new leadership.
FIBA also recognized the support provided by relevant Nigerian authorities and stakeholders throughout the electoral process, highlighting the importance of institutional cooperation in advancing basketball administration in the country.
The international federation also expressed appreciation to the outgoing NBBF board, led by Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida, for its work and contributions to Nigerian basketball.
Zagklis further recalled his recent meeting with Mustapha in Berlin and expressed his expectation of meeting him again in person, wishing the new president and his colleagues success throughout their tenure.
The new leadership is expected to build on the recognition and institutional support to strengthen basketball development, improve governance and advance Nigeria’s competitiveness on the continental and international stages.
-
General News2 weeks agoRivers 2027: We are not part of Rainbow Coalition – APC Legacy Group slams Wike, Fubara meeting
-
General News1 month ago
JOHESU demands: MHWUN puts FG on notice over fresh action
-
Politics1 month ago2027: ASAF backs APC governors, rejects rainbow coalition
-
Politics2 months agoYou have demonstrated diligence, loyalty, statesmanship in leadership, Ekechi salutes Shetimma at 60
-
Politics2 months ago2027: Advertising experts raise concerns over irregular regulation of sector
-
FCT News2 months ago
2027: Hasana-Moneme pledges skills, empowerment, credit access for FCT women
-
General News3 months ago
2027: Dame Princess Esom-Nwafor Orizu confirmed as APC flagbearer for Nnewi North /South /Ekwusigo Federal Constituency as INEC releases names of candidates
-
Uncategorized3 months ago
Rescue of Oyo schoolchilden: Tinubu commends security agencies, says action breakthrough in fight against criminality
