FIFA’s finance, non-finance-support
GOOD day dear reader. The financial and non-financial support of FIFA to her member associations is part of the FIFSA Forward Programme. Currently, FIFA is using FIFA Forward 3.0, which will be applicable for four years commencing from 2023. FIFA Forward Football Development Programme is one of the priorities linked to FIFA’s statutory objectives ‘to improve the game of football constantly and promote it globally in the light of its unifying educational, cultural and humanitarian values, particularly through youth and development programmes’ and to promote the development of women at all levels of football governance.
Subject to compliance with the FIFA Forward Regulations, the funding granted to each member association (MA) under FIFA Forward 3.0 includes a contribution of up to US$8 million for the four-year cycle (2023-2026), representing an increase of US$2 million compared to the Forward 20. cycle. This implies that each member association will be entitled to receive up to US$5 million over a four-year cycle (2023-2026) for operational costs and US$3 million over the four-year cycle for specific projects. A 1st instalment of US$650 000 shall be paid to MAs in January of each year to cover their operational costs for recurring/routine activities. The US$600 000, which is the balance allocated by FIFA for each MA, is conditionally and shall be paid in July of each year provided that the MA has done the following: Organised men’s competitions that are implemented national for at least six months; with at least 10 teams and minimum of 90 matches played.
Organised women’s competitions that are implemented national for at least six months; with at least 10 teams and minimum of 90 matches played.
Has an active men’s senior national team that has played at least four matches in the relevant year. Has an active women’s senior national team that has played at least four matches in the relevant year.
Organised boys’ competitions in at least two age group categories. They must play nationally/ regionally; with at least 10 youth teams per age category; with 90 matches per category; and over six months.
Organised girls’ competitions in at least two age group categories. They must play nationally/ regionally; with at least 10 youth teams per age category; with 90 matches per category; and over six months.
Has active boys’ national team in at least two categories that have played at least four matches in the relevant year per category.
Has active girls’ national team in at least two categories that have played at least four matches in the relevant year per category.
Has a functional digital registration and competition management system which is regularly updated by an appointed staff member.
Has an established programme for the promotion and development of refereeing, which includes an appointed full-time head of refereeing with the relevant refereeing expertise; at least 10 refereeing workshop/ seminars organised by it for its referees in the different categories per year, and women referees.
Has undertaken initiatives within the context of its operations in at least five of the following areas:
Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from any form of harassment and abuse; Integrating the principles of anti-discrimination, diversity, accessibility, gender equality and inclusivity;
Embedding a culture of compliance to prevent improper conduct;
Combating match manipulation;
Combating doping;
Reducing the adverse environmental impact of activities;
Offering an alternative dispute resolution system to settle and resolve disputes within the local/national context;
Incorporating minimum requirements for contracts of professional players based on guidelines provided by FIFA;
Providing a secure environment to participants and attendees at matches and/or events organised by it; and
Implementing any initiative other than the above that strengthens good governance within the member association.
Till next week, football for all and safe life for all.