rki.news

WASHINGTON, Feb. 20 — FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced a “true partnership” between the world football governing body and the Board of Peace, unveiling ambitious plans to rebuild soccer infrastructure in the Gaza Strip and foster community development through sport.
Speaking at the inaugural Board of Peace meeting in Washington, DC, Infantino described football as a universal language uniting six billion fans worldwide. “It’s about hope, joy, happiness and coming together. Peace is essential to achieving that unity,” he said.
Under the new partnership, FIFA aims to create a complete football ecosystem in Gaza, combining physical infrastructure with programs to restore hope, trust, and opportunities for local youth. The initiative will include the construction of 50 FIFA Arena mini-pitches at $50,000 each, five full-size pitches across different districts at $1 million each, and a FIFA Academy valued at $15 million.
A national stadium accommodating 20,000 to 25,000 spectators, estimated at $50 million, is also planned, providing a long-term hub for sporting events, training, and community activities.
Infantino emphasized that the project goes beyond building facilities: “We also have to rebuild people, emotion, hope and trust. This is what football, my sport, is about.”
The partnership reflects FIFA’s commitment to leveraging sport as a tool for social cohesion, resilience, and peace-building in regions affected by conflict. Through the initiative, football will serve as a catalyst for development and unity in Gaza, offering opportunities for youth engagement, community empowerment, and international collaboration.