Vorwort
FIFA reports record investment back into football
After two years of interruptions, cancellations and postponements due to the COVID-19 pandemic, FIFA can report that 2022 was a year of recovery, prosperity and growth. The year ended with FIFA in a robust financial position following a disrupted period, the like of which we have never seen before.
The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ exceeded all expectations – both on and off the field of play. It was the first FIFA World Cup™ to be hosted in the Arab world and only the second time that FIFA has taken the game’s top international event to Asia.
In addition to the 29-day festival of football in Qatar, the tournament drove the favourable financial figures that FIFA is able to present at year-end.
Throughout the 2019-2022 cycle, revenues developed consistently, despite the impact of the pandemic on the global economy. FIFA can report a record total revenue of USD 7,568 million, which represents a 18% increase (USD 1,147 million) on the 2015-2018 cycle and is 18% higher (USD 1,128 million) than the full-cycle revenue budget.
„During the 2019-2022 cycle, FIFA achieved record revenues and invested more money back into the football than ever before.“
Following his election in 2016, FIFA President Gianni Infantino set about realising his vision of making football truly global. During the 2019-2022 cycle, the benefits of increased revenues also came to the fore. Through the FIFA Forward Programme, FIFA has been able to steadily increase football development through its member associations in every corner of the world, clearly demonstrating how this vision is becoming reality. Furthermore, the financial success of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 has provided a solid foundation for this work to continue and grow at record levels in the next cycle.
As at 31 December 2022, FIFA’s reserves had reached an unprecedented high of USD 4 billion. These reserves ensure that FIFA is in an ideal position to cover all of its FIFA World Cup obligations and the increased commitments under FIFA Forward 3.0. Due for launch in 2023, the latter will increase the funds currently available under Forward 2.0 by a significant 29% to USD 2,250 million. This record-breaking achievement is largely thanks to the success of Qatar 2022™, along with FIFA’s ongoing cost containment drive in relation to its administrative tasks, which is testament to the prudent governance practices implemented across the organisation.
We look ahead to 2023, a year in which FIFA will organise the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™, with great optimism and excitement.
Alejandro Domínguez
Chairperson of the Finance Comittee