FIFA has been drawn into fresh controversy following reports that £185 million earmarked for solidarity payments linked to the expanded FIFA Club World Cup remains unpaid, raising questions over the tournament’s financial commitments and the future of the competition.
The claims have surfaced amid growing criticism of FIFA President Gianni Infantino following the inaugural 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, which was staged in the United States in 2025.
According to the reports, while participating clubs have received their prize money, the £185 million intended as solidarity payments for clubs that did not qualify for the tournament has yet to be distributed. The solidarity fund was designed to ensure that financial benefits from the competition reached clubs across the wider football ecosystem, including top-flight teams that were not involved in the tournament.
The reports further claim that FIFA had initially planned to provide around £50,000 to every top-flight club worldwide under the solidarity programme, but there has been no official confirmation on when, or if, those payments will be made.
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The alleged delay has intensified criticism of FIFA’s management of the expanded Club World Cup, a flagship project championed by Infantino since he assumed office in 2016.
The controversy comes shortly after reports that Infantino faced opposition over proposals involving private investment in FIFA competitions, with some football stakeholders expressing concerns about the commercial direction of the governing body. Reports have also suggested that some officials within European football have questioned his leadership, although FIFA has not announced any change in its administration.
The expanded Club World Cup, which debuted with 32 teams in 2025, was backed financially by sports streaming platform DAZN through a reported £740 million broadcast rights agreement. Reports also indicated that a company linked to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund later acquired a stake in the broadcaster, strengthening financial backing for the tournament.
However, uncertainty now surrounds preparations for the next edition scheduled for 2029.
The tournament is yet to secure a confirmed host nation, while FIFA is also reportedly continuing discussions with leading European clubs over participation in future editions.
Several countries, including Australia and New Zealand, Brazil, Germany, Mexico and England, have expressed interest in hosting the competition. Reports, however, suggest that Qatar and the United States are among the leading contenders, although FIFA has yet to make an official announcement.
Despite speculation in some reports that the competition could face cancellation if outstanding financial issues remain unresolved, FIFA has not officially announced any plans to cancel the Club World Cup. The governing body has also not publicly responded to the reported delay in solidarity payments.
The latest claims have renewed calls for greater transparency over the financing of FIFA’s flagship competitions, particularly as the expanded Club World Cup seeks to establish itself as a permanent fixture on the global football calendar.