FIFA President announces football funding for Bhutan and Bangladesh

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced significant football development initiatives for both Bhutan and Bangladesh during his recent travels.

In Bhutan, the Bhutan Football Federation is set to receive USD 25 million from FIFA over the next four years. This funding aims to enhance infrastructure, youth programs, and women’s football. FIFA is also evaluating a proposal to establish an academy in Bhutan for 500 students, including football pitches and schooling facilities.

During a stopover in Dhaka, Infantino met with Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) officials, including President Tabith Awal, to discuss the growth of the sport in Bangladesh. Discussions focused on potential investments in training centers, such as a planned FIFA-funded technical center in Cox’s Bazar, and infrastructure improvements like hybrid pitches in Sylhet. Infantino expressed a desire to return to Bangladesh soon to support projects involving men’s and women’s football, school-level programs, and stadium upgrades.