FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter has reinforced the pledge made at the 1996 FIFA Congress in Zurich by João Havelange for each of the member associations (regardless of size or resources) to receive one million USD Dollars, and each confederation to receive ten million Dollars over the period 1999 - 2002.

Funds are released to the recipient associations in accordance with precise regulations laid down by the Executive Committee and their use is closely monitored by the FIFA administration.

The Financial Assistance Program may also serve as a supplement to other forms of financial aid made available to a national association, especially as part of other development programs such as Goal (the funds are not made available, however, for the construction of new stadiums, which remains the duty of the state).