The world’s governing body for soccer announced Thursday it has formed a partnership with a board created by President Donald Trump to channel investments toward rebuilding war-torn areas using sports development.
FIFA has teamed up with the Board of Peace, which Trump established and which convened its inaugural session to address funding for Gaza’s rebuilding efforts. The board’s mission centers on reconstructing the region following the disarmament of Hamas forces.
Experts anticipate major obstacles ahead for the board’s success, including ensuring Hamas militants lay down weapons, coordinating Israeli military withdrawal, determining reconstruction funding levels, and managing humanitarian assistance delivery to Gaza’s devastated population.
Under the soccer partnership, FIFA outlined plans to construct 50 smaller playing fields positioned close to schools and neighborhoods throughout Gaza, along with five regulation-sized soccer fields spread across different areas. The initiative also calls for establishing an advanced FIFA training facility and constructing a new stadium capable of seating 20,000 spectators.
Trump announced that FIFA will secure $75 million in funding specifically for soccer-related development projects in the territory.
“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,” stated FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
“Together with the support of the Board of Peace, FIFA will drive this partnership which is built to deliver impact at every stage,” Infantino added.
According to FIFA, the comprehensive program will prioritize employment opportunities, engaging young people, establishing organized soccer leagues for both male and female players, building community connections, and boosting local business activity.
