In its report on the distribution of funds allocated to its various member associations through the Forward program, FIFA announces that it has reinvested $2.8 billion in the development of world soccer. This represents a seven-fold increase compared to six years ago.
1,600 projects, almost a third of which concern soccer infrastructure, 208 competitions created, 300,000 men and women directly affected and involved in the projects, and above all a sum of almost $2.8 billion (€2.5 billion) allocated over the period from 2016 to 2022: these are the figures put forward by FIFA in its report on the development of world soccer. Through its Forward program, the world governing body has supported its 211 member associations in their desire to "enable everyone to play soccer, everywhere in the world".
"We pledged to put soccer revenues at the service of the development of our sport throughout the world, for girls and boys, women and men. We have kept our word," recalled President Gianno Infantino.
"These investments are as much our responsibility as they are an obligation. FIFA Forward provides us with the ideal structure - transparent and efficient - to fulfill this mission. The result is a seven-fold increase in investments since 2016, while FIFA's revenues have not even doubled over the same period. This shows that, in addition to being properly managed, the funds are used in a targeted manner and with a high degree of supervision to sustainably serve the development of soccer," he praised.
In short, a kind of redistribution in the development of soccer from the revenues generated by its world competitions. These have reached a record turnover of 7.6 billion dollars (6.9 billion euros) between 2019 and 2022.
Breakdown of sums allocated by FIFA to federations in the CAF zone.
144 projects financed in the CAF zone
In the African zone, the main area for which these funds were allocated to the federations was the construction, renovation or improvement of infrastructures.
Nearly $118.7 million was invested in this area.As host of the CAN 2023, Côte d'Ivoire, for example, received nearly $6 million (€5.2 million) between 2016 and 2022. Part of this sum was used for the organization of competitions (1.9 million euros) and the complete renovation of the Yopougon stadium (999.6 thousand euros).
Across the continent as a whole, 144 projects were completed and 94 new pitches developed."The growth potential of women's soccer on the continent has been demonstrated, with over 10,000 girls and women benefiting from some of the 36 competitions launched," says FIFA.
At the same time, 15,000 people (10,576 men and 4,536 women) have benefited from the 46 skills-building projects undertaken by CAF member associations over the past six years.
