FIFA, Board of Peace to build 'football ecosystem' in Gaza

FIFA and the Board of Peace (BoP) have signed an agreement to invest and build "complete football ecosystems" in conflict-affected regions, starting with Gaza.

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, it is hoped it will establish a long-term framework of delivering world-class infrastructure, community programmes and sustainable economic opportunity in Palestine.

US President Donald Trump spoke at the newly-formed BoP on Thursday of donating $75 million to Gaza for football-related projects, including 50 FIFA arena mini pitches near schools and residential areas, five full size pitches, a FIFA academy and a 25,000-capacity national stadium.

Infantino, who has worked closely with Trump during preparations for this summer's FIFA World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico, said: "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," he said.

Alongside an ambitious construction project, the first phase of the collaboration prioritises job creation, workforce upskilling, youth participation, organised leagues for girls and boys, community engagement and the stimulation of local commercial activity.

Implementation will proceed in line with ongoing monitoring of safety and security conditions with activation relying on stakeholder engagement and milestone-based progress reporting.

FIFA's Arena initiative is already active in a number of conflict-affected countries with a commitment to install at least 1,000 mini-pitches globally by 2030 and as of November 2050, 59 FIFA Member Associations had joined the programme.