FIFA and the Board of Peace (BoP) have signed a partnership agreement to source investment from international leaders and institutions, using football as a vehicle for recovery, stability and long-term development in conflict-affected regions, with Gaza as the foremost priority.
The agreement was 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. The signing ceremony took place at the Donald J. Trump US Institute of Peace Headquarters.
The BoP was unveiled by US President Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum in January 2026. It brings together international leaders and institutions committed to advancing reconstruction and stability in fragile regions. Initially focused on Gaza, the BoP coordinates humanitarian assistance, rebuilding efforts and long-term stabilisation.
FIFA signs partnership with Board of Peace to build football infrastructure in Gaza
“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,” Infantino said in a statement, according to a report by the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
“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 added.
The first phase of the collaboration aims to provide a recovery programme for Gaza, combining reconstruction with social and economic activation.
FIFA to build 20,000-seat stadium and 50 mini-pitches in Gaza under new deal
The infrastructure plan includes 50 FIFA Arena mini-pitches located near schools and residential areas, five full-size pitches across multiple districts, a FIFA Academy and a 20,000-seat national stadium.
Alongside construction, the programme prioritises job creation, workforce upskilling, youth participation, organised leagues for girls and boys, community engagement and the stimulation of local commercial activity.
The implementation framework has four phases. Phase I, Community Activation, covering three to six months, includes the installation of 50 FIFA Arena mini-pitches. Phase II, Professional Infrastructure, spanning 12 months, involves the development of five full-size pitches. Phase III, FIFA Academy, running from 18 to 36 months, provides for the establishment of a centre of excellence. Phase IV, National Stadium, also running from 18 to 36 months, entails the construction of a 20,000-seat national stadium.
Implementation will proceed in line with ongoing monitoring of safety and security conditions. Once circumstances allow, the activation of Phase I will begin, supported by structured stakeholder engagement and milestone-based progress reporting.
Central to Phase I is the FIFA Arena initiative, which forms part of FIFA’s commitment to install at least 1,000 mini-pitches globally by 2030. The initiative provides playing spaces in communities with limited access to sport, equipped and activated from day one. As of November 2025, 59 FIFA Member Associations had joined the programme, which is already active in a growing number of countries.
