FIFA and the Board of Peace have signed a strategic partnership agreement to support recovery and long term development in Gaza, Palestine, through football infrastructure and community programmes.
The agreement establishes a framework to attract international investment and coordinate projects aimed at rebuilding infrastructure, supporting education and creating economic opportunities. The partnership was signed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Gaza Executive Board of Peace member Yakir Gabay, High Representative for Gaza Nickolay Mladenov, and Dr Ali Shaath, Chief Commissioner of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza.
The Board of Peace was introduced in January 2026 at the World Economic Forum. Initially focused on Gaza, the Board coordinates reconstruction, humanitarian assistance and stabilisation efforts in fragile regions.
Under the partnership, a comprehensive football development programme is planned. The infrastructure proposal includes 50 FIFA Arena mini pitches located near schools and residential areas, five full size pitches across several districts, a FIFA Academy and a 20,000 seat national stadium.
The programme also includes structured education initiatives, organised leagues for girls and boys, youth engagement activities and workforce development. Job creation and skills training form part of the implementation model, alongside support for local commercial activity linked to football events and facilities.
The project will be delivered in four phases:
- Phase I, Community Activation: scheduled over three to six months and includes the installation of 50 mini pitches. The phase will incorporate the FIFA Football for Schools programme, equipment distribution and organised grassroots activities.
- Phase II, Professional Infrastructure: planned over 12 months and involves the development of five full size pitches to support local clubs and structured competition pathways.
- Phase III, FIFA Academy: projected over 18 to 36 months and includes the establishment of a centre integrating sport, education and accommodation to support talent identification and professional development.
- Phase IV, National Stadium: projected over 18 to 36 months, includes construction of a 20,000 seat stadium designed to host sporting and cultural events.
Implementation will proceed in line with assessments of safety and security conditions. Activation of the first phase will begin when conditions permit, supported by monitoring and milestone reporting.
The FIFA Arena initiative forms part of FIFA’s global commitment to install at least 1,000 mini pitches worldwide by 2030. As of November 2025, 59 FIFA Member Associations had joined the programme.
The partnership reflects FIFA’s stated objective of using football as a platform for development initiatives in post conflict environments.
