The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) could receive up to $20 million in funding under a new FIFA proposal aimed at boosting football development worldwide.

FIFA announced the plan on Tuesday. It forms part of a wider investment package for the organisation’s 211 member associations.

The proposal includes an optional one-off allocation of $20 million for each association through a new FIFA Fast Forward Programme. Associations can use the funds for stadium projects, national training centres and other football infrastructure.

FIFA increases development funding

FIFA also plans to increase support through its FIFA Forward programme.

Under the proposal, member associations would receive $20 million each during the 2027–2030 cycle. This marks a sharp rise from the current $8 million allocation.

The amount would increase further to $22 million for 2031–2034. It would then rise to $24 million for the 2035–2038 cycle.

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, said the plan would help associations benefit more from football’s commercial growth.

“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.

New commercial structure proposed

FIFA also wants to create a new subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise.

The body would combine FIFA’s commercial and event operations. FIFA would keep full control over football governance, competitions, match calendars and regulatory matters.

To fund the initiative, FIFA plans to sell a minority stake in its commercial business to private investors. The organisation expects the move to raise $4.2 billion based on an initial valuation of $20 billion.

The proposal has already attracted criticism from UEFA. Concerns centre on the planned investment structure and governance model.

Approval still required

FIFA said the package would push its development funding beyond $10 billion over the next four years. The organisation described it as the largest commitment of its kind by any sports governing body.

However, member associations and the FIFA Council must approve the proposal before it takes effect.