FIFA is set to collaborate with Dubai in a groundbreaking initiative to recognize outstanding football players, coaches, and teams worldwide. This program, known as the FIFA Award, will celebrate legends of the sport starting next year.
During the recent World Sports Summit, FIFA President Gianni Infantino shared details about this exciting partnership. He emphasized the organization’s commitment to investing heavily in football development across the globe. Infantino remarked that FIFA aims to involve the entire world in the sport, highlighting the importance of nurturing football culture everywhere.
The initiative will support club football on a global scale, creating opportunities for players and clubs to reach their highest potential. Infantino further explained that FIFA is providing grants to approximately 211 nations to enhance their football infrastructure. Additionally, FIFA intends to establish elite talent development academies in each of its member associations by the end of 2027.
Infantino announced that next year would see the launch of 100 such academies worldwide. He hinted at the possibility of including the UAE in this initiative, stating, “I don’t know if the UAE would like to have one, but we can move to 101 academies with the one in the UAE.”
The World Sports Summit, a prestigious event in the sports calendar, will take place at Madinat Jumeirah on December 29-30. The summit will host several prominent athletes, including tennis star Novak Djokovic, mixed martial artist Khabib Nurmagomedov, and football icon Ronaldo Nazario.
Through these partnerships and developments, FIFA is firmly positioned to foster a vibrant football landscape, ensuring that talent and passion for the sport are cultivated globally.