FIFA and Board of Peace Launch $70M Football Initiative in Gaza
IFA President Gianni Infantino and the Board of Peace, led by U.S. President Donald Trump, have announced a historic partnership to transform football into a bridge for peace, dignity, and hope in the Gaza Strip.
“A shared field, a reason to believe again,” said Infantino. “Football is the world’s universal language. It is spoken by six billion people who share feelings of hope, joy, and happiness. It brings communities together and unites the world. But to truly unite the world, we need peace.”
Through this partnership, FIFA and the Board of Peace plan to establish a complete football ecosystem in Gaza, including football pitches, FIFA arenas, academies, and a national stadium. The initiative will support youth, amateur, and regional leagues, strengthen community engagement, and generate professional opportunities for local talent—not just on the pitch, but across all areas of football.
“Football does more than create players and coaches,” Infantino added. “It rebuilds confidence, restores routine, and opens doors to education, teamwork, and belonging. Parents, teachers, volunteers, and youth leaders all become part of a shared mission: to heal, rebuild, and move forward together.”
The ambitious plan includes:
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50 FIFA Arena mini pitches across Gaza at $50,000 per unit, totaling $2.5 million.
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Five full-size pitches in five districts at $1 million each.
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A FIFA Academy with an estimated investment of $15 million.
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A national stadium for 20,000–25,000 spectators, valued at around $50 million.
These investments aim to create a sustainable football ecosystem that not only nurtures players but also empowers communities through education, employment, and social engagement. Opportunities will emerge for coaches, sports doctors, administrators, and event organizers, involving thousands of people in the development and operation of football activities.
“This partnership is about more than infrastructure,” Infantino emphasized. “It is about rebuilding hope, trust, and emotion. Together, FIFA and the Board of Peace are united for football, committed to peace, and dedicated to the future of Gaza’s communities.”
The announcement came during the first meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington, D.C., focusing on fostering stability in the Middle East and creating a brighter future for all through collaborative international initiatives.
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