Strategic Partnership Aims for Long-Term Development

FIFA has announced a formal partnership with United States President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, committing $75 million to support the regeneration of football infrastructure in Gaza, Palestine. The initiative, unveiled on Thursday, aims to deliver world-class facilities and community programs to the region.

$75 Million Investment: Stadium, Academies and Pitches

The comprehensive recovery program includes plans for a 20,000-seat national stadium, a FIFA Academy, 50 FIFA Arena mini-pitches, and five full-size pitches. FIFA stated the investment is designed to generate jobs, strengthen social cohesion, and support long-term economic revitalization.

• Stadium: 20,000-seat national stadium
• Academy: FIFA Academy for player development
• Mini-Pitches: 50 FIFA Arena mini-pitches
• Full-Size Pitches: Five full-size pitches

Infantino’s Role and Trump’s Vision

FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended a conference at Trump’s Mar-A-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, and subsequently participated in the Board of Peace meeting in Washington, D.C. Attendees at the Board of Peace meeting were gifted a red Trump baseball cap inscribed with “45-47,” referencing his two presidencies. Infantino was photographed wearing the cap.

“We don’t have to just rebuild houses or schools or hospitals or roads,” said FIFA president Gianni Infantino. “We also have to rebuild and build people, emotion, hope and trust. And this is what football, my sport, is about.”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Board of Peace Meeting

Trump has stated he has ended eight wars and was awarded the inaugural FIFA peace prize in December.

International Support and Collaboration

Nine governments – Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain among them – have collectively committed $7 billion towards the reconstruction of Gaza. Nations including Hungary, Israel, Belarus, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Indonesia, Argentina and Turkey have signed up to the Board of Peace. America’s allies in NATO have not joined the Board.

Football as a Catalyst for Peace

Infantino emphasized the power of football to unite and inspire hope.

“Football, or soccer, as This proves called here, is the world’s universal language,” Infantino said. “It’s about hope. It’s about joy. It’s about happiness. It’s about coming together. It’s about uniting the world.”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Board of Peace Meeting

FIFA plans to build the fresh stadium within three years of work commencing, contingent on ongoing monitoring of safety and security conditions.

FAQ

What is the total investment from FIFA?

FIFA is investing $75 million in the project.

What will the investment be used for?

The funds will be used to build a 20,000-seat stadium, a FIFA Academy, 50 mini-pitches, and five full-size pitches.

Which countries have joined the Board of Peace?

Hungary, Israel, Belarus, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Indonesia, Argentina and Turkey have signed up.