Madam Pang Attends FIFA Congress – FIFA Prepares Record-Breaking FIFA Forward 4.0 Investment
Thailand's Football Association president attended FIFA's 76th Congress in Vancouver, where FIFA announced a record USD 2.7 billion investment through its Forward 4.0 program to expand global football development ahead of the 2026 World Cup
Nuealpan Lumsam, president of the Football Association of Thailand, along with Vice President Adisak Benjasirivanna and Secretary General Ekkapon Phollanavy, attended the 76th FIFA Congress held on April 30, 2025, at the Vancouver Convention Center in Canada.
The congress, presided over by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, brought together representatives from all 211 FIFA member associations. Held ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the meeting focused on expanding football opportunities globally.
Key developments include:
FIFA's Investment in Global Football Development: - FIFA has invested over USD 5 billion in global football development over the past decade - The FIFA Forward 4.0 program will allocate a record USD 2.7 billion - Member associations will benefit from an eightfold increase in development funding compared to pre-2016 levels
New Budget Approval: - FIFA Congress approved a new budget cycle for 2027-2030 - Projected total revenue of USD 14 billion - All revenue will be reinvested in global football development - Focus areas include youth development, grassroots football, infrastructure building for member associations, and equal distribution of tournament hosting opportunities
Future Plans: The 77th FIFA Congress will be held in Rabat, Morocco, on March 18, 2026, where the FIFA presidency election will take place.
