FIFA - Circular 1926 de 2025

Fédération Internationale de Football Association FIFA-Strasse 20 P.O. Box 8044 Zurich Switzerland T: +41 (0)43 222 7777 www.FIFA.com

TO THE MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS OF FIFA

Circular no. 1926

Zurich, 7 March 2025

Amendments to the FIFA Forward Development Programme Regulations – Forward 3.0 Dear Sir or Madam, We are pleased to inform you of several amendments to the FIFA Forward Development Programme Regulations – Forward 3.0 (hereinafter the “Regulations”), which were approved by the FIFA Council on 5 March 2025. Since the launch of the FIFA Forward Development Programme in 2016, FIFA has allocated nearly USD 4 billion to its 211 Member Associations, with funding increasing in each cycle to advance the global game , by supporting specific football development projects , as well as covering essential operational and running costs. In FIFA’s daily interactions with our Member Associations across the world, we have identified various practical challenges that prevent beneficiaries from fully meeting certain criteria linked to their funding entitlement, despite the spi rit and intent behind this criteria clearly having been met. In light of this situation, and to further support Member Associations in enhancing their football development activities with FIFA Forward funds, the following amendments to the FIFA Forward 3.0 Regulations were approved: a. the e xtension of the deadlines for uncommitted Forward 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 funds for specific projects; and b. amendments to the a ssessment for fulfilling the conditions related to the disbursement of the second instalment of operational/running costs. a. Extension of the deadlines for uncommitted Forward 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 funds for specific projects

Member Associations operate in different environments, which may affect their ability to allocate funding for specific projects within the time frames set by the Regulations . Recognising the significant role of these funds in football development and responding to

projects

Member Associations operate in different environments, which may affect their ability to allocate funding for specific projects within the time frames set by the Regulations . Recognising the significant role of these funds in football development and responding to Member Associations’ requests to extend deadlines to be able to make use of the funds, FIFA has therefore introduced the following key provisions: • article 21 paragraphs 3 and 4: to extend the deadline to commit FIFA Forward 1.0 and FIFA Forward 2.0 funds for specific projects of Member Associations from 31 December 2024 to 31 December 2028;2

• article 22 paragraph 1 : to extend the deadline to commit FIFA Forward 1.0 and FIFA Forward 2.0 funds for specific projects of M ember Associations from 31 December 2024 to 31 December 2028; and • article 9 paragraphs 3 and 4: to remove the deadline of 31 December 2028 to commit FIFA Forward 3.0 funds for specific projects of Member Associations and establish that funds may be accrued until further notice.

b. Amendments to the assessment for fulfilling the conditions related to the disbursement of the second instalment of operational/running costs FIFA has revised the evaluation criteria for disbursing the annual second instalment of operational/running costs by adopting a more adaptable assessment model, while promoting equitable access to essential funding . This tailored approach ensures that funding eligibility better reflects the diverse realities of football development within each Member Association’s local context. The amendments affect the following key provisions: • article 6 paragraph 3 b) i . to x.: to allow the assessment of the fulfilment of these ten conditions based on their overarching principles rather than on a specific sub-criteria; and • article 23 : to allow the retroactive application of the provisions under article 6 paragraph 3 b) i . to xi. from 1 January 2023 to the end of the financial period on 31 December 2026. Entry into force of the amendments

The aforementioned amendments entered into force on 5 March 2025 and remain effective

paragraph 3 b) i . to xi. from 1 January 2023 to the end of the financial period on 31 December 2026. Entry into force of the amendments

The aforementioned amendments entered into force on 5 March 2025 and remain effective throughout the financial period ending on 31 December 2026, as outlined in article 23 of the Regulations.

The revised edition of the Regulations is available on fifa.com.

Thank you for taking note of the above. Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact Tom Gorissen, Director of Member Associations Services, at associations@fifa.org. Yours faithfully,

FÉDÉRATION INTERNATIONALE

DE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

Mattias Grafström Secretary General3

cc: - FIFA Council - Confederations - Regional/zonal associations