On Feb 20, FIFA and the Board of Peace signed a partnership agreement designed to draw investment from global leaders and institutions into sustainable development initiatives in regions affected by conflict, using football as the vehicle for engagement.
The Board of Peace, established under the U.S. President Donald Trump, convened for its first meeting with a focus on a Gaza reconstruction fund. The fund is aimed at rebuilding Gaza once Hamas disarms, according to the plan discussed at the meeting.
Officials identified a set of sports infrastructure and community-focused projects as part of FIFA’s collaboration. The programme outlines the construction of 50 mini-pitches positioned near schools and residential areas across Gaza, the development of five full-size pitches distributed among multiple districts, the establishment of a FIFA academy built to contemporary standards and the construction of a new national stadium with 20,000 seats.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump said FIFA will raise $75 million for soccer-related projects in Gaza. FIFA President Gianni Infantino provided a statement accompanying the agreement, saying: "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." He added: "Together with the support of the Board of Peace, FIFA will drive this partnership which is built to deliver impact at every stage."
Beyond the physical infrastructure, the programme is structured to promote job creation, to increase youth participation in sport, to support organised leagues for both boys and girls, and to engage communities. FIFA said the initiative also aims to stimulate local commercial activities tied to the football ecosystem.
Key details
- Board of Peace - created under President Donald Trump - held its first session focused on a Gaza reconstruction fund.
- Planned projects include 50 mini-pitches, five full-size pitches, a FIFA academy and a 20,000-seat national stadium.
- FIFA plans to raise $75 million for soccer-related projects in Gaza and will emphasize jobs, youth programs and local economic activity.
Risks and uncertainties
- The disarmament of Hamas militants and any related withdrawal of Israeli troops are cited as prerequisites and could complicate or delay reconstruction efforts - affecting construction and infrastructure sectors.
- The eventual size of the reconstruction fund and the timing or scale of committed financial flows remain uncertain, posing fiscal and planning risks for project delivery and local economic stimulation.
- The flow of humanitarian aid to the population in Gaza is identified as a variable that may influence the board’s effectiveness as projects move from planning to implementation.
The agreement sets out clear targets for infrastructure and social programs but leaves several critical political and operational questions unresolved. The timing and success of the initiative will depend on conditions specified by the Board of Peace and partners, as well as the broader security and humanitarian environment.