FIFA distributes development funds equally to all 211 member associations—a policy rooted in the 1990s and expanded under President Gianni Infantino as a core promise of his election campaign.
Funding Distribution Model
The equal funding model is driven by FIFA's one-country, one-vote governance system, which will also be used to select World Cup hosts from 2026 onward. Billions of dollars generated from World Cup revenue are first placed into FIFA's reserves before being allocated across the global football community.
Montserrat receives a payment equivalent to 2.5% of its annual GDP, or $500 per person.
Financial Impact on Member Associations
Because every nation receives the same amount, the economic impact varies dramatically by country size. For example, Montserrat—a small Caribbean territory—receives a sum equal to 2.5% of its entire annual GDP, translating to roughly $500 per resident.
Reported Outcomes
According to FIFA, the funding supports infrastructure improvements and grassroots development programs. The organization specifically cites Cape Verde's qualification for the World Cup as a tangible result of investments made possible through this equal distribution model.