FIFA provides $150 million to 211 members for COVID-19 relief

The measure will include an immediate payment of $500,000 to each national governing body.

FIFA is distributing about $150 million to its 211 members to provide immediate relief during the coronavirus pandemic that has shut down nearly all soccer matches around the world.

All operational costs expected to be released by FIFA to members in 2019 and 2020, including the second installment of payments for the 2019 year, will be paid immediately.

The United States, Canada and Mexico national soccer governing bodies are among the countries that will be receiving the support. It’s unclear how the federations will use the funds, with needs at the men’s and women’s youth, national and pro league levels. 

Typically, FIFA members only receive full funding based on their ability to fulfill specific criteria. However, FIFA is dropping those requirements due to the worldwide halt in play. This means each member association will receive $500,000 this week along with continuing payments for 2019 and 2020 contributions.

“The pandemic has caused unprecedented challenges for the entire football community and, as the world governing body, it is FIFA’s duty to be there and support the ones that are facing acute needs,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement.

“This starts by providing immediate financial assistance to our member associations, many of which are experiencing severe financial distress. This is the first step of a far-reaching financial relief plan we are developing to respond to the emergency across the whole football community. Together with our stakeholders, we are we assessing the losses and we are working on the most appropriate and effective tools to implement the other stages of this relief plan.”