FIFA’s latest plans to reshape the financial and commercial future of global football could receive significant backing from smaller football nations, according to a football expert, as the governing body seeks support for a proposal that has already triggered strong opposition in Europe.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is pushing a major commercial initiative that would involve creating a new entity to manage valuable football-related commercial operations.
The proposal would allow private investors to acquire a minority stake in the new company, with FIFA remaining in control of the organisation and its football governance.
The plan has immediately divided the football world. UEFA and several European football figures have raised concerns about the proposal, particularly over the speed with which it was introduced, questions surrounding transparency and the possibility of football becoming increasingly driven by commercial interests.
However, the proposal could find a more receptive audience among smaller and less wealthy football associations.
The reason is straightforward: FIFA has presented the initiative as a way of unlocking additional resources for football development around the world.
Reports indicate that member associations could receive substantial financial support if the proposal is approved, potentially giving smaller nations more money to invest in infrastructure, youth development, women's football and national teams.
For many developing football nations, such funding can make a considerable difference.
Unlike the major European football powers, smaller associations often operate with limited domestic revenues and lack the commercial structures available to wealthier countries.
FIFA development programmes have historically provided an important source of funding for such associations.
FIFA says its Forward programme has already made approximately $2.8 billion available to its 211 member associations and other football bodies, with much of the money directed toward infrastructure, competitions and administration.
The success of smaller nations at the expanded 2026 World Cup could also strengthen FIFA's argument.
The tournament featured 48 teams for the first time, giving more countries an opportunity to compete on football's biggest stage.
FIFA's Technical Study Group noted that emerging nations such as Curaçao and Cabo Verde were competitive against more established footballing powers.
FIFA Chief of Global Football Development Arsène Wenger has also described the expanded tournament as a success, arguing that concerns about a decline in quality had not materialised.
He pointed to the performances of countries such as Cabo Verde as evidence that smaller nations deserved greater opportunities.
That history of support could prove important as FIFA attempts to secure approval for its latest plans.
The governing body operates under a one-member, one-vote system, meaning smaller associations have the same formal voting power as the largest football nations.
Consequently, winning the confidence of developing football countries could be crucial if FIFA faces continued resistance from Europe.
Critics, however, argue that financial incentives should not determine the future direction of the sport. UEFA has already criticised the proposal and warned that football's interests could be compromised by an excessive focus on commercial returns.
There are also concerns about governance and the extent to which private investors could influence football's most valuable competitions.
The football expert's assessment therefore comes at a critical moment. FIFA must convince enough member associations that the proposed changes will strengthen football rather than simply increase commercial revenues.
For smaller nations, the potential benefits may be difficult to ignore. Additional funding could provide opportunities that are otherwise beyond their reach, from modern training facilities and better youth academies to improved national competitions.
At the same time, those countries will have to weigh the immediate financial benefits against concerns about the long-term direction of world football.
The coming weeks could therefore become a major test for Infantino and FIFA. While opposition from powerful European stakeholders could present a serious obstacle, support from smaller nations may give the governing body the political strength it needs.