Zurich: Football development has been the watchword of FIFA President Gianni Infantino since he was elected head of the world football governing body on February 26, 2016, in Zurich, Switzerland. He set the tone for his presidency with the launch of the FIFA Forward program, which has contributed over $5 billion towards development projects across all 211 Member Associations, marking a sevenfold increase compared to the pre-2016 period.
According to Ghana Web, a much greater proportion of FIFA's revenues is now being reinvested into the game, a shift attributed to FIFA becoming more efficient, well-governed, and fit for purpose. The organization provides support to cover operational costs of all associations and funds specific football projects, including infrastructure like pitches and technical centers, as well as travel, accommodation, and equipment costs for national teams in need.
The support from FIFA has benefited over 150 Member Associations, providing infrastructure and technical support crucial for realizing their football ambitions. Africa, with its 54 Member Associations, has been a significant beneficiary, receiving over $1.2 billion during the ten-year period. This funding has fueled the completion of 203 infrastructure projects, including the construction and renovation of technical centers, headquarters, artificial turf pitches, and stadiums.
To further support African football development, FIFA opened the Africa Hub in Rabat, Morocco, in July 2025. Additionally, FIFA launched the Talent Development Scheme led by Ars¨ne Wenger, aiming to establish 75 FIFA Talent Academies by 2027.
Infantino's tenure has not only focused on infrastructure but also on expanding football's global reach. The new 32-team Club World Cup launched last June was a massive success, with an estimated 2.7 billion fans engaging with the content. Youth competitions have also expanded, with the FIFA U-17 World Cup and the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup now held annually.
Women's football has seen significant growth under FIFA's strategic priorities, with the first 32-team FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023 being a landmark success. The organization increased its investment in the Women's World Cup, enhancing service levels and prize money, and introduced new competitions like the FIFA Women's Club World Cup.
Technological advancements have been a focus for FIFA, including the implementation of the video assistant referee (VAR) and semi-automated offside technology. Following the '2015 FIFA Gate', FIFA has transformed itself through governance and financial reforms, emphasizing transparency.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, FIFA supported global football with a $1.5 billion COVID-19 Relief Plan. The organization has reformed the transfer system, introducing the FIFA Clearing House, which has facilitated the distribution of training rewards and financial support to clubs worldwide.
FIFA has also launched programs to maximize the social impact of football, such as Football for Schools and FIFA Arenas, and has prioritized the fight against discrimination by implementing anti-racism protocols and launching the FIFA Social Media Protection Service.