FIFA and Board of Peace sign Gaza partnership focused on recovery through football
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Riyadh, February 20, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – FIFA and the Board of Peace (BoP) have signed a partnership agreement aimed at sourcing investment from international leaders and institutions to use football to support recovery, stability and long-term development in conflict-affected regions, starting with Gaza.
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, according to the parties.
Under the framework, the partners said they plan to build a “complete football ecosystem” in Gaza, including infrastructure, structured community programmes and sustainable economic opportunity.
The first phase of the programme includes plans for 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, the statement said.
The implementation roadmap includes four phases, starting with community activation over three to six months, followed by professional infrastructure, the establishment of a centre of excellence and the construction of the stadium, it added.
The partners said implementation would proceed in line with ongoing monitoring of safety and security conditions.
