Source : WAM
FIFA and the Board of Peace (BoP) have formalized a landmark partnership agreement to actively attract investment from international leaders and institutions, leveraging the power of football to support recovery, stability, and long-term development in conflict-affected regions, with Gaza as a primary focus.
The agreement, signed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Gaza Executive Board of Peace member Yakir Gabay, High Representative for Gaza Nickolay Mladenov, and Chief Commissioner of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza Dr Ali Shaath, sets a long-term framework to establish a complete football ecosystem, delivering world-class infrastructure, structured community programmes, and sustainable economic opportunities in Gaza, Palestine.
The BoP, launched by US President Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum in January 2026, brings together international leaders and institutions dedicated to advancing reconstruction and stability in fragile regions.
Initially concentrating on Gaza, the BoP coordinates humanitarian aid, rebuilding projects, and long-term stabilisation efforts.
“Today, FIFA and the Board of Peace have signed a landmark partnership agreement that will foster investment into football for the purpose of helping the recovery process in post-conflict areas,” said Infantino following the signature ceremony, which was held at the Donald J. Trump US Institute of Peace Headquarters.
He added, “FIFA wants as many people as possible around the world to participate in our game and benefit from the opportunities it creates. Football brings people together and contributes to a more prosperous, educated, equal and peaceful world. Together with the support of the Board of Peace, FIFA will drive this partnership, which is built to deliver impact at every stage.”
The first phase of the collaboration aims to deliver a comprehensive recovery programme for Gaza, combining physical reconstruction with social and economic activation. The infrastructure plan includes 50 FIFA Arena mini-pitches near schools and residential areas, five full-size pitches across multiple districts, a state-of-the-art FIFA Academy, and a new 20,000-seat national stadium.
Alongside construction, the programme focuses on job creation, workforce development, youth engagement, organised leagues for girls and boys, community participation, and the stimulation of local commercial activity.
The implementation framework comprises four phases: Phase I – Community activation (3–6 months), which includes installing 50 FIFA Arena mini-pitches; Phase II – Professional Infrastructure (12 months), involving the development of five full-size pitches; Phase III – FIFA Academy (18–36 months), establishing a centre of excellence; and Phase IV – National Stadium (18–36 months), constructing a 20,000-seat stadium.
Implementation will proceed in line with ongoing monitoring of safety and security conditions. When circumstances permit, Phase I will commence, supported by structured stakeholder engagement and milestone-based progress reporting.
At the heart of Phase I is the FIFA Arena initiative, part of FIFA’s commitment to install at least 1,000 mini-pitches globally by 2030. Already active in a growing number of countries, the initiative provides durable community playing spaces for areas with limited access to sport, fully equipped and operational from day one. As of November 2025, 59 FIFA Member Associations had joined the programme.
