Report: FIFA cuts operating budget by more than $100 million.

FIFA has cut its operating budget by more than $100 million for this summer’s World Cup in North America, The Athletic reports.

In its 2024 annual report, FIFA’s 2023-26 budget projections included $1.12 billion in operating expenses out of a total budget of $3.756 billion. The $1.12 billion included $280 million for technology services, $159 million for event transportation, $145 million for safety and security, and $79 million for guest management.

But four other sources told The Athletic that FIFA staff at its U.S. headquarters in Miami are feeling nervous after learning that cuts to the operating budget, including in the areas of safety, logistics, security and accessibility, have “comfortably exceeded” $100 million.

A FIFA spokesperson issued a statement to The Athletic in response to Tuesday’s story.

“FIFA is constantly reviewing its budget efficiency to control costs so that as much revenue as possible can be invested in the development of football around the world. This should come as a surprise to no one, as budget reviews are regularly applied before every tournament and event.”

The World Cup, comprised of 48 countries, will be held from June 11 to July 19 in 16 stadiums across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Congress has allocated $625 million from the federal government to help with security costs at stadiums, but that money has not yet been distributed due to a partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security.

The FIFA statement addressed concerns about safety and security.

“FIFA will never compromise on the operational success of its biggest tournament or on key aspects such as safety and security and any suggestion otherwise is false and misleading. FIFA is investing significant resources to ensure an outstanding experience. FIFA will deploy a total of approximately 5,000 people to ensure smooth operations.”

–Field level media