FIFA has announced a 20 percent rise in one of it’s flagship Forward programmes to benefit member associations across the globe.

The football governing body will now provide US$2.7 billion for the 2027–2031 cycle.

The funding boost, up from the previous allocation, forms part of FIFA’s broader strategy to expand the global reach of football and strengthen development structures across its 211 Member Associations, including Zambia.

Speaking during the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Canada, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the organization remains committed to ensuring that every country benefits equally from football development resources.

“You are all equal to us. We will not leave anyone behind,” Infantino said.

Over the past decade, FIFA has invested approximately US$5 billion into football development through the FIFA Forward Programme, significantly increasing support to national associations. The upcoming fourth cycle will see member associations receive up to eight times more funding compared to pre-2016 levels.

During the last cycle Zambia embarked on improving the state of the stadia in the country as the association worked on the David Kaunda Stadium, Independence Stadium in Solwezi, and others.

Infantino highlighted the impact of the FIFA Clearing House, which ensures that training clubs benefit financially when players are transferred.

Over US$500 million has already benefited smaller clubs with limited resources globally.

“Some grassroots clubs are receiving significant financial support for the first time” he said.

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