A agreement between FIFA and the Board of Peace signals a major investment in football infrastructure in Gaza, Palestine, with a focus on rebuilding communities and fostering hope through sport. FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the partnership, which will see the organization commit significant resources to developing a comprehensive football ecosystem in the region.
A Landmark Partnership
The agreement, signed in Washington D.C. By Infantino, Gaza Executive Board of Peace member Yakir Gabay, High Representative for Gaza H.E. Nickolay Mladenov, and Chief Commissioner of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza Dr Ali Shaath, establishes a long-term framework for development. The Board of Peace, unveiled by US President Donald Trump in at the World Economic Forum, aims to coordinate humanitarian assistance and long-term stabilization efforts in fragile regions, initially focusing on Gaza.
FIFA has pledged $50 million towards the construction of a new national stadium in Gaza, capable of holding between 20,000 and 25,000 spectators. In addition to the stadium, FIFA will invest $15 million in the creation of a FIFA Academy, designed to nurture local talent. The organization also plans to build 50 “arena mini pitches” for $2.5 million and five full-sized pitches for $1 million, strategically located near schools and residential areas.
Beyond Bricks and Mortar
Infantino emphasized that the initiative goes beyond simply rebuilding physical structures. We don’t have to just rebuild houses or schools or hospitals or roads,”
he said. We also have to rebuild and build people, emotion, hope and trust. And What we have is what football, my sport, is about.
This sentiment underscores FIFA’s belief in the power of football to unite communities and provide a sense of normalcy and optimism in the aftermath of conflict.
The project aims to generate jobs and strengthen social cohesion, contributing to the long-term economic revitalization of Gaza. The planned infrastructure is intended to create opportunities for both players and those involved in the construction and maintenance of the facilities.
A Complex Landscape
While the pledge represents a significant commitment to the region, the success of the project will depend on a number of factors. The Board of Peace’s effectiveness is tied to the disarmament of Hamas militants and the withdrawal of Israeli troops, as well as the consistent flow of humanitarian aid. These remain substantial challenges.
Currently, a unified Palestinian squad represents both Gaza and the West Bank in international competitions, having been recognized by FIFA since 1998. However, the team has yet to qualify for the World Cup. The development of football infrastructure within Gaza itself could potentially foster greater participation and talent identification, contributing to the overall strength of Palestinian football.
The Board of Peace and International Support
The inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace saw nine governments pledge $7 billion towards a Gaza relief package, with five others committing to deploy troops as part of an international stabilization force. This broader international effort provides a context for FIFA’s investment, demonstrating a coordinated approach to addressing the challenges facing Gaza.
The partnership between FIFA and the Board of Peace is designed to attract further investment from international leaders and institutions. FIFA’s involvement is expected to leverage its global reach and influence to secure additional funding and support for the project. The organization believes that football’s universal appeal can serve as a powerful catalyst for positive change in conflict-affected regions.
The initiative highlights a growing recognition of the role sport can play in peacebuilding and development. By providing opportunities for recreation, competition, and community engagement, football can help to heal divisions, promote social inclusion, and empower individuals. The planned investment in Gaza represents a significant step towards realizing this potential.
The long-term impact of the project remains to be seen, but the commitment from FIFA and the Board of Peace offers a glimmer of hope for the future of football – and the broader community – in Gaza. The focus on building not just infrastructure, but also people, emotion, hope and trust
as Infantino stated, suggests a holistic approach to recovery and development.
