Ex-PNG player blames ‘flawed’ funding for silence in Fifa crisis

Former Papua New Guinea international Alex Davani has criticized the funding system for smaller football federations, stating that the fear of losing vital funding may have led to silence during the FIFA crisis. As a former deputy general secretary of Football Australia, Davani believes the current development funding system is flawed.

The Oceania federation, comprising 11 member associations, experienced a significant increase in funding, rising from US$2 million-US$3 million to US$8 million over a four-year cycle. Davani emphasized that smaller federations in Oceania rely heavily on these funds to operate, which may have resulted in their reluctance to speak out.

Despite some larger confederations expressing strong opinions on the proposal, Davani believes that speaking out about the funding system might jeopardize their financial stability. The lawyer and sports administrator argues that the funding should not be considered an entitlement, but rather discretionary. He advocates for a shift in leadership within Oceania, urging the region to have presidents with a deep understanding of the impact on professional football growth and development.