FIFA signs Board of Peace partnership for Gaza football rebuild

FIFA has agreed a strategic partnership with the Board of Peace (BoP) aimed at sourcing international investment to help fund a phased programme of football infrastructure and community activity in Gaza.In a statement, FIFA said the agreement establishes “a long-term framework to build a complete football ecosystem” in Gaza, combining construction with structured programmes designed to support social cohesion and economic opportunity.Gianni Infantino said: “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.“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.”FIFA said the agreement was signed by Infantino alongside BoP representative Yakir Gabay, the High Representative for Gaza H.E. Nickolay Mladenov and Dr Ali Shaath, identified by FIFA as Chief Commissioner of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza.The governing body said the first phase is designed as a “comprehensive recovery programme” for Gaza that links physical rebuilding with social and economic activation, with an initial infrastructure plan that includes 50 FIFA Arena mini-pitches near schools and residential areas, five full-size pitches across multiple districts, a FIFA Academy and a new 20,000-seat national stadium.FIFA set out four phases for delivery – beginning with community activation over three to six months through the installation of the mini-pitches and the roll-out of FIFA Football for Schools, followed by professional infrastructure over 12 months, then the academy and stadium over an 18–36 month window. FIFA said implementation will proceed “in line with ongoing monitoring of safety and security conditions” and that the first phase will begin “once circumstances allow.”Beyond facilities, FIFA said the programme will prioritise job creation, workforce upskilling, youth participation, organised leagues for girls and boys, community engagement and the stimulation of local commercial activity.At the end of the announcement, FIFA also referenced the continuing controversy around World Cup ticketing, with Infantino saying in a separate appearance this week that all 104 matches at the 2026 tournament are “sold out” based on demand levels. FIFA’s own ticketing guidance says the fee for reselling or exchanging tickets on its official resale marketplace is 15% of the total price, inclusive of taxes.