In this episode of the ASU Sports Business Podcast, we sat down with the former defensive midfield maestro now Director of Member Associations Africa for FIFA, Gelson Fernandes, as we discussed the latest cycle of the FIFA Forward Programme.

Launched in January 2023, FIFA Forward 3.0 is the latest cycle of the fund offered to member associations in order to help them develop football in their respective countries with the key categories for investment being Infrastructure; Competitions; Capacity Building; National Teams & Subventions; Other Projects.

Our conversation focused on how African Member Associations can best make the most of this new cycle of FIFA Forward and the plans that Gelson and his team have in growing the level of football in Africa.

Timestamp:

- Introduction: 00:00 - 6:40

- How has FF transformed football for African Member Associations: 9:00 - 11:15

- Changes from FIFA Forward 2.0 & FIFA Forward 3.0: 11:25 - 13:50

- Process of how FIFA Forward funds are allocated or ascertained by the Federations: 14:00 - 16:17

- How best should the Federations allocate the resources: 16:40 - 24:15

- Good examples of how FIFA Forward funds have been used & strategies to engage with the Member Associations on ground: 24:37 - 32:15

- Questions from the floor: 32:20 - 36.30

- The importance of the workshop in Paris for Member Associations: 36:40 - 42:55

- What falls under the “Other Projects” category: 43:00 - 43:55

- Are there any key deadlines that Member Association’s need to be aware of: 44:00 - 45:25

- Investment into Women’s Football: 45:30 - 48:50

- How much is the 2026 World Cup an incentive for African Member Associations to create more history for Africa: 49:00 - 51:55

- Questions from the floor: 52:00 - 57:30

- What is your future for African Member Associations: 57:35 - 59:52

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