From dirt to turf: FIFA’s record investments boost emerging nations

From dirt to turf: FIFA’s record investments boost emerging nations Through significantly increased funding and greater access to tournaments, developing football markets such as Mauritania, Bangladesh and Bhutan are building sustainable sporting structures for the long term. For many emerging football nations, FIFA represents the main, if not the only, reliable source of income. Recent financial figures and institutional policy changes point to a concerted effort by the governing body to build sustainable structures in these markets, focusing on three pillars: financial support, talent development and greater access to tournaments. The financial progression is clear. Under the FIFA Forward programme, funding for each member association has risen from $3.8 million (2016–2018 cycle) to $8 million in the current 2023–2026 cycle. A new proposal on the table for 2027–2030 aims to give each association a total of $25 million. Ahmed Yahya, president of the Mauritanian Football Federation, highlighted the practical impact of these figures following a recent FIFA Council meeting. "These financial resources allow today's young people to play on grass pitches rather than rocky ground or dirt pitches, and that is precisely what matters," Yahya explained. He stressed the fundamental importance of equal funding and voting rights for all nations. "For us, equality is what defines FIFA today. Gianni Infantino is moving football forward around the world... The majority want him to stay." Crucially, this financial backing is combined with FIFA's Talent Development Scheme and the expansion of youth tournaments. By helping associations identify and nurture talent while providing more platforms on the world stage, FIFA is seeking to create a structure in which football becomes a genuine career option in developing regions. In Bangladesh, this combined strategy is delivering tangible results. Tabith Awal, president of the Bangladesh Football Federation, pointed to recent milestones, including a historic victory over San Marino during a European international window and an invitation to the FIFA ASEAN Cup. "We have made use of many of FIFA's good projects, whether the Arena programme or the Forward programme, to truly develop a football culture in Bangladesh," Awal said. Awal also highlighted the current administration's hands-on approach to governance, noting that Infantino "continues to extend the hand of friendship" even when faced with institutional disagreements. A recent brief stopover by the FIFA president in Dhaka allowed local officials to demonstrate exactly how international funds are being allocated on the ground. This strategy of global visibility extends to Bhutan, which recently welcomed a FIFA president to the country for the first time in its history. The visit underscored a broader administrative goal: maintaining direct contact with all member associations, regardless of their size, and allowed local leaders to map out the future. Dasho Ugen Tsechup, president of the Bhutan Football Federation (BFF), used the historic visit to outline ambitious future initiatives. "Because of his busy schedule, time was short. But our discussions were concise and straight to the point," Ugen Tsechup explained. "With FIFA's help, much more can now be done in Bhutan." He then detailed a comprehensive development plan that includes the Rama academy and school project for males and females, commercial upgrades to the existing football infrastructure in Changjiji and GMC, and the construction of a new stadium in Paro. When asked to single out one project from the Infantino era that he was most proud of, Ugen Tsechup declined, emphasising the cumulative effect of consistent support. "I cannot single out any one project, because every investment has been an important contribution to the development of football in Bhutan," he said. "The headquarters, which has given us independence... the academy, the infrastructure, the pitches, the mini-pitches, the futsal courts; every single aspect of infrastructure development provided by FIFA has marked an important milestone for our federation." This local investment is having a profound human impact, particularly in women's football. Pema Choden Tshering, captain of the Bhutan women's national team, has witnessed the transformation of grassroots football first-hand. "I grew up playing on dusty pitches. Now I have the opportunity to play on artificial turf and grass pitches through my experiences in international matches," Tshering noted. She pointed to the establishment of a girls' academy in Gelephu—where more than 60 girls receive regular training throughout the year—as a direct result of improved infrastructure. Tshering also credited the FIFA Forward programme with funding valuable match experience that allows the team to test itself internationally. "That has provided many opportunities for the girls to grow, not just as players, but also as people," she added. With national team players now securing international contracts, Tshering is optimistic: "I hope this will also inspire future generations of girls and encourage parents to allow more girls to take up the sport." While elite European football traditionally dominates media coverage, the administrative reality for countries such as Mauritania, Bangladesh and Bhutan is that consistent, structured investment is creating a new foundation. By combining reliable funding with clear talent pathways and grassroots infrastructure, FIFA is laying the groundwork needed for the world's most popular sport to grow equitably across the globe. This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.