When FIFA's internal conflict escalated earlier this year, the loudest voices came from the sport's wealthiest confederations. But the quiet from Oceania's smaller federations, according to former Papua New Guinea international Alex Davani, is not indifference — it's self-preservation in a system where survival depends on FIFA's goodwill. Main Developments Davani, a lawyer and sports administrator who previously served as deputy general secretary of Football Australia, told Reuters that smaller federations fear losing the development funding that often constitutes their entire operational budget. He described their silence as a "predictable response" to an environment where speaking out could jeopardize their livelihood. The 11-member Oceania federation was scheduled to meet on Wednesday to discuss the schism that has split world football. Davani acknowledged the region's difficult position: vocal opposition could risk funding, while silence leaves them without a seat at the table. Read also: Britain sweeps relay golds at European swimming opener Funding from FIFA has grown substantially under President Gianni Infantino, rising from $2 million–$3 million per four-year cycle to $8 million in the last round. Infantino also inaugurated a national football centre in Papua New Guinea in 2023, funded by FIFA Forward money, with another opening in the Solomon Islands and a new stadium in Vanuatu. Background The current crisis stems from Infantino's abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, which would have provided $40 million to each of the 211 full member associations if they supported his plan. The proposal was withdrawn after significant opposition from powerful confederations, but the rift it exposed remains unresolved. Davani argues that FIFA's funding system is fundamentally flawed because development money is discretionary, not an entitlement. While FIFA statutes frequently reference development programs, they do not enshrine the principle that such funding is a right. This ambiguity leaves smaller federations vulnerable, as they cannot risk alienating the source of their operational budgets. Oceania's unique challenges compound the issue. Travel between islands is prohibitively expensive, climate change is eroding playing fields, and indigenous peoples' rights remain a pressing concern. Davani emphasized that the region needs leaders who understand these realities, not just those who promise financial windfalls. Why It Matters The silence of smaller nations has broader implications for global football governance. If only wealthy confederations feel free to speak, the sport's decision-making will continue to be skewed toward the interests of the few, marginalizing regions where football's growth potential is greatest. Davani pointed to talent such as Tim Cahill, who played for Samoa before switching to Australia, and Christian Karembeu, the French World Cup winner born in New Caledonia, as evidence that Oceania can produce world-class players when given proper support. The current system, he argues, fails to nurture that talent. The discretionary nature of funding also undermines the principle that the World Cup and Women's World Cup belong to all member associations. Davani believes that if federations collectively own these assets, they should have a say in how the derived development money is allocated. What's Next Oceania's scheduled meeting on Wednesday could signal whether the region will break its silence. Davani hopes the discussions triggered by the abandoned proposal might create an environment for reforming the funding system, making it more equitable and less precarious for smaller federations. The broader question remains whether FIFA's leadership will address the structural flaws that leave smaller nations dependent on discretionary grants. Until then, Davani fears the focus will stay on the schism rather than on football itself — particularly in a region where the sport needs to be played more often.