'Flawed' funding system behind silence of smaller nations in FIFA's civil war, says ex-PNG player

Former PNG international Alex Davani has criticized FIFA's flawed funding system as a reason for smaller football federations remaining silent during the civil war within world soccer. Davani, a former deputy general secretary of Football Australia, believes the development funding system is discretionary rather than an entitlement, which puts smaller federations in a tough position.

The 11-member Oceania federation was set to discuss the row that has divided world football, but Davani thinks they face a dilemma. On one hand, vocal big confederations support the proposal, while on the other, smaller federations fear losing their funding if they speak out. Davani argues this is a predictable response in an environment where development funding often constitutes the entire operational budget for a member association from Oceania.

Davani believes FIFA's funding is discretionary, not an entitlement, and criticizes the lack of an enshrined principle that development money is a right rather than a privilege. He notes that FIFA statutes frequently mention development funding and programs but do not establish it as an entitlement.

While smaller federations like those in Oceania have benefited from Infantino's leadership, Davani believes the $40 million promised if all 211 member associations had chosen his controversial plan would have been tempting but misses the mark for what Oceania needs. He emphasizes that Oceania requires leaders with a deep understanding of issues impacting the growth and development of professional football, such as climate change, indigenous rights, and the importance of playing football in the region.