Foreword

While 2020 was about solidarity and support, with all but four of our 211 member associations being forced to halt their football activities due to the spread of COVID-19, I am pleased to report that we began to see signs of recovery in 2021. Moreover, FIFA is well on track to exceed its projected revenue target of USD 6,440 million for the 2019-2022 cycle. At the end of 2021, contracted revenue amounted to USD 6,114 million, representing 95% of the total budgeted revenue for the cycle.

In 2021, FIFA fully dedicated its expenses and investments to assisting the continued recovery from the pandemic. Investments totalled USD 1,077 million, with USD 833 million allocated to football activities and USD 244 million to the administrative side of the sport.

FIFA is also proud to report that its COVID-19 Relief Plan was successfully implemented. This fund has been crucial in keeping our member associations in good financial health, as the knock-on effects of the pandemic continued to impact the football family across the world. FIFA’s unparalleled COVID-19 Relief Plan is not only giving its member associations some much-needed security and protection, it has also provided an opportunity to drive positive change in women’s football. As part of the plan, USD 500,000 has been made available to every member association for use specifically in the women’s game. These funds have been also used to protect existing leagues and clubs, support diverse development projects and provide peace of mind for footballers at all levels of the game. Consequently, the implementation of this important programme was a key focus area in 2021 and it remains on track.

More good news: FIFA’s signature development programme, Forward 2.0, was unaffected by the pandemic. Accordingly, it is expected that the full-cycle budget of USD 1,746 million for 2019-2022 will be invested for the benefit of FIFA’s 211 member associations, the six confederations and the zonal/regional associations.

Finally, FIFA’s total assets increased by 21% in 2021, to USD 5,492 million. The financial position of the organisation remains healthy and robust with sufficient reserves. FIFA is therefore ideally placed to fulfil its commitment to grow the global game, while remaining able to react quickly to support the global football family throughout times of hardship.

The past two years have shown us that, just as in a football match, we never truly know what may be awaiting us around the next corner. Thanks to FIFA’s proactive approach by expecting the unexpected, the global game remains in good health, as we look ahead with great optimism to 2022, a FIFA World Cup year, in good shape and great spirits.

Alejandro Domínguez
Chairperson of the Finance Committee