FIFA President Gianni Infantino has offered up to $40 million in funding to each of the world football governing body's 211 member associations in a bid to secure support for his controversial proposal to allow private investment in FIFA's flagship competitions.

The offer was contained in a five-page letter sent to all member associations. Under the proposal, associations that approve the plan by September 19 would receive an initial $20 million from January 1, 2027, followed by an additional $20 million at a later stage.

Infantino said the funding would be made available through the creation of a new commercial subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise, which would oversee the commercial rights to FIFA's major tournaments, including the men's World Cup, the Women's World Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup. The proposed entity would allow external investors to acquire minority stakes, a move FIFA believes could unlock up to $10 billion in additional funding for football development worldwide.

In his letter, Infantino described the proposal as a transformative opportunity for global football, saying it is his responsibility to present initiatives capable of strengthening the sport's long-term financial future.

— CHANNELS