Several U.S. host cities are demanding that FIFA honour its promise to provide legacy funding after the governing body reportedly failed to distribute the US$1 million pledged to each city following the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
FIFA announced in April 2025 that each of the tournament’s 11 host cities would receive a US$1 million legacy contribution to support community football projects, including the construction of mini pitches and grassroots initiatives.
However, reports indicate that the payments have yet to be made to most of the host cities, prompting local officials to press FIFA to fulfil its financial commitment. Philadelphia is among the cities still awaiting the promised funds, with similar concerns raised elsewhere.
The delayed payments add to growing scrutiny of FIFA’s financial obligations following the expanded Club World Cup, with host cities already facing significant costs associated with staging the tournament while receiving limited direct revenue from the event.
FIFA has not publicly explained the delay in distributing the legacy payments, and it remains unclear when the promised funding will be released to the affected cities.
