# AIFF backs Infantino for ₹382 crore FIFA lifeline 2026-08-07T20:23:28+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Gianni Infantino's plan to sell 20% equity in a new FIFA entity to private investors has provoked a revolt from UEFA, CONCACAF, and the Asian Football Confederation. The proposal would have raised $4.2 billion, with member associations receiving up to $40 million each. The All India Football Federation (AIFF), which operates on a domestic budget of just ₹134 crore, is reported to support Infantino in exchange for the promised surge in funding from the current $8 million per four-year cycle. Critics call the plan a bribe to secure votes, but the AIFF's dependency is stark. Sports broadcaster Joe Morrison told Times Now that the federation is 'destitute' and cannot afford to oppose Infantino. The Frontline analysis notes that JPMorgan Chase, which earlier backed the failed European Super League, was deeply involved in drafting the proposal. India's gamble: backing Infantino against its own continental body, the AFC, which has joined the opposition. ## Coverage - timesnownews.com - frontline.thehindu.com Tags: AIFF, FIFA, FIFA Forward, Gianni Infantino, Indian football, sports funding Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/rs-134-crore-budget-forces-aiff-to-back-fifa-president-infantino/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/rs-134-crore-budget-forces-aiff-to-back-fifa-president-infantino/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.