World Cup FIFA MAKING FOOTBALL TRULY GLOBAL

After visiting over 100 territories since being elected as FIFA President four years ago, I believe we have work to do in making football truly global. The vision document available in full below is my suggested action plan for FIFA. My vision is for the organisation to help develop football in all regions of the world so that many more can compete at the very highest level. The goal is to have at least 50 national teams and clubs from all continents competing fully against the current elites of the game.

Having successfully reformed and stabilize FIFA, the time is now for us to take a look at the whole football landscape and identify the areas on which we should focus. The equation strikes me as fairly straightforward: a game that is powerful and popular around the whole planet cannot be played at its highest level in only a few regions. Our key mission is to truly globalize, popularize and democratize football for the benefit of the entire world. This is what I mean with my vision for the period until 2023. This plan to modernize the football world and make it more inclusive and truly global is made up of four core areas consisting of 11 goals with concrete steps to achieve each. Those areas are:

Governance; Competitions & Events; Internal Governance & Administration; Development, Social Responsibility & Education.

And you can learn more about this vision below...

Making football truly global, at every level, is the core task for FIFA to pursue over the coming years
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino

 

Over the last four years, FIFA has come a very long way in restoring transparency and trust. The organisation’s governance, as well as its financial and business performance, have undergone substantial transformation. After a change of leadership, a series of statutory reforms and the adoption of financial, commercial and good governance best practices, FIFA has successfully turned from a toxic organisation in perilous financial condition into a solid and modern brand.

Revenue targets secured and exceeded

Despite the biggest crisis in FIFA’s history and the resulting virtual standstill in sales activities during 2016, record figures in all areas were achieved in the 2015-2018 cycle.

USD 6.421 bn was received in revenue during the 2015-2018 cycle, which was 28% over the initial budget of 5 bn, a figure that was approved at the 2014 FIFA Congress.

All-time high in reserves

At the end of the 2015-2018 cycle, FIFA’s reserves reached a new high of USD 2.74 bn, 80% up on the 2011-2014 cycle. The amount of USD 1.25 bn from the reserves will be reinvested in football development, with a substantial part being allocated to women’s football.

Enhanced control of money flows

Financial governance was strengthened in all areas to ensure the highest level of transparency for all money inflows and outflows. The IFRS 15 accounting standard was adopted in 2016, with a restatement of 2015 to ensure the full cycle was accounted under the same standards and to allow comparability. The budget approach, in line with the IFRS accounting principles, was also adopted to allow full and direct budget analysis with actual figures. Improved processes and controls were finally established in relation to procurement, accounts payable, payroll, receipts and accounts receivable.

Fourfold increase in FIFA’s football development entitlements

FIFA has invested a total of USD 1.67 bn in development and education, of which USD 1.079 bn in the newly created Forward Program, resulting in a fourfold increase in development entitlements. This all started in 2016. FIFA has not only brought its investment in football development to new heights, but has also implemented a comprehensive oversight mechanism, including a full audit of Forward funds, to ensure that resources are used transparently, judiciously and effectively.

The rules governing football are established to protect the game in its entirety. To fulfill this purpose, it is crucial to continuously modernize the regulatory framework, thereby ensuring that its transparency is safeguarded on a global scale and that the interests of all football stakeholders around the world are taken into account.

A. REVIEW THE INTERNATIONAL MATCH CALENDAR WITH A GLOBAL APPROACH

The international match calendar plays a central role in the sustainable growth of football in all regions of the world and at all levels. For this reason, the current system should, once and for all, be discussed thoroughly with all stakeholders and reviewed according to their needs in a collective effort to guarantee a truly global approach.

B. REFORM THE TRANSFER SYSTEM

Key objectives of the transfer system are to protect minors, reward training clubs, promote investment in youth and safeguard the integrity of competitions, while ensuring that money stays within the game for the purposes of reinvestment. The reform of the transfer system will focus on these objectives, as well as achieving greater transparency.

C. ANALYSE THE LAWS OF THE GAME FOR THEIR POTENTIAL OPTIMISATION

Football keeps evolving, and the Laws of the Game should be continuously analysed and optimised accordingly, while respecting the traditions of football. The promotion of offensive tactics should guide this process with the aim of improving the football experience – from both a sporting and entertainment point of view.

D. INTRODUCE MECHANISMS TO PROTECT FOOTBALL STAKEHOLDERS

FIFA plays a role of utmost importance in protecting all football stakeholders worldwide. From the reform of the transfer system to the recent establishment of the FIFA Fund for Football Players, modern mechanisms will have to be put in place to further safeguard the players, coaches and clubs involved in the game.