By Belinda Nketia
Since Gianni Infantino’s election in 2016, FIFA has implemented wide-ranging structural, financial and competition reforms across global football.
One of the central pillars of his administration has been the FIFA Forward Programme, which significantly increased direct funding to Member Associations. The funding model gives national federations greater authority over how money is invested in infrastructure, competitions and grassroots development.
FIFA also introduced the Talent Development Scheme to strengthen youth pathways worldwide, alongside expanded administrative support in areas such as governance, finance, safeguarding, medical services and IT systems. Leadership programmes aimed at increasing female representation in football administration were also launched.
On the field, FIFA introduced the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in 2018. The technology has since been adopted in major international competitions and numerous domestic leagues. FIFA later introduced simplified versions, including VAR Light and Football Video Support, to make video review systems more accessible.
Tournament expansion has defined much of the past decade. The FIFA World Cup will expand from 32 to 48 teams starting in 2026. The FIFA Women’s World Cup increased to 32 teams in 2023 and is scheduled to expand to 48 teams in 2031. Youth tournaments have also been restructured, including the expansion of the FIFA U-17 World Cups and the introduction of a new FIFA U-15 global competition format.
FIFA also created the FIFA Series, designed to provide more competitive matches for national teams outside traditional qualification windows.
At club level, FIFA launched a new expanded 32-team Club World Cup format in 2025, introduced the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, and confirmed the launch of a Women’s Club World Cup in 2028.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, FIFA approved a $1.5 billion relief plan to assist Member Associations and confederations. The organization has also provided emergency funding support in response to natural disasters and conflict situations.
Governance reforms have included stricter compliance mechanisms, revised ethics processes, enhanced financial reporting aligned with international standards and greater transparency in tournament bidding procedures.
FIFA has also taken formal steps in areas of anti-racism policy enforcement and player welfare regulations, while expanding global development projects in women’s football across more than 200 Member Associations.
Infantino was elected FIFA president on Feb. 26, 2016, at an Extraordinary Congress in Zurich following the corruption crisis that led to leadership changes within the organization. He is currently serving a third term after re-elections in 2019 and 2023.
